After much speculation, the Congress leadership has chosen Anandpur Sahib sitting MP and lawyer Manish Tewari to contest against BJP's Sanjay Tandon for the Chandigarh parliamentary seat. Amidst internal demands for a "new face" from Chandigarh, the Congress opted for Tewari over former Chandigarh MP Pawan Kumar Bansal. Tewari, supported by Chandigarh Congress president Harmohinder Singh Lucky, emerges as the joint candidate for Congress and AAP under the I.N.D.I.A. bloc seat deal.
Tewari's political journey
Born and raised in Chandigarh, Tewari, 58, has a distinguished background, having represented Anandpur Sahib in previous Lok Sabha terms. His selection marked his long-awaited opportunity to contest from his hometown Chandigarh, a desire he expressed since 2009.
Sanjay Tandon's political career
Sanjay Tandon, son of BJP leader Balramji Das Tandon, makes his electoral debut as BJP's candidate for the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. With a history of political involvement since the 1990s, Tandon steps into the electoral fray with extensive organisational experience within the BJP.
Chandigarh's electoral landscape
Chandigarh, with over 6,47,000 registered voters, gears up for the elections scheduled on June 1. The contest between Tewari and Tandon sets the stage for a crucial battle in the Union Territory, with both candidates seeking to represent the aspirations of Chandigarh residents.
Chandigarh's political significance
As a Union Territory serving as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh holds pivotal political importance as a Lok Sabha constituency. Over the years, its electoral dynamics have reflected the diverse socio-political fabric of the region, making it a keenly watched battleground.
Electorate composition and trends
With a predominantly urban character, Chandigarh's electorate composition includes a significant proportion of Scheduled Castes (SC) voters and a Hindu majority, underscoring its diverse demographic tapestry.
Historical electoral trends
Since its inception in 1967, Chandigarh's Lok Sabha representation has seen a varied mix, with the Congress and BJP dominating the seat in alternating terms. Notable leaders like Srichand Goyal and Jagannath Kaushal have left their mark on the region's political landscape.
Notable representatives
Pawan Kumar Bansal's long tenure as MP and his ministerial stints in the Manmohan Singh government have been significant in Chandigarh's political trajectory. Additionally, leaders like Krishan Kant have enriched the city's political legacy.
Recent electoral dynamics
In 2014, Kirron Kher's victory for the BJP marked a shift in Chandigarh's electoral fortunes amid the Modi wave. Her association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and promises of development initiatives resonated with voters, leading to a decisive win.
Current scenario and future prospects
While Kher has maintained her electoral stronghold, recent political developments, particularly the AAP's emergence in the 2022 assembly elections in alliance with the Congress, signal a potential electoral shift. The BJP candidate faces a formidable challenge in the upcoming polls, suggesting an intriguing electoral battle ahead.
Also read | Ludhiana Lok Sabha constituency set to witness quadratic fight between AAP, BJP, SAD and Congress
