New Delhi, January 12
A survey done for the Congress in Himachal Pradesh has advised the party to not give ticket to 30 per cent of the sitting MLAs. It has also suggested it to make special efforts to woo Brahmins, reach a “soft understanding” with the Himachal Vikas Congress and keep the election campaign at an aggressive pitch.
The survey done all over the state with a sample base of around 150 in each constituency, says that the Dhumal government in the state was not facing an anti-incumbency factor.
AICC sources said the survey points out that people, specially in the “old areas,” were largely satisfied with the development works done by the state government.
The survey further says that the “differences” between CLP leader Virbhadra Singh and PCC chief Vidya Stokes had percolated to the block level and it could hurt the party’s prospects.
The survey, however, predicts a majority for the Congress, saying that it would win 37 seats. The earlier survey for the Congress, which had a lesser sample base, had predicted 41 seats for the party.
The survey points out that the Congress had the toughest fight in Hamirpur district. In Kangra, it predicts a fair gain for the Congress. In Mandi and Kulu districts, it suggests that the Congress should go for a “soft understanding” with the HVC or decide its candidates only after seeing those of the HVC.
