Ambika Sharma
Tribune News Service
Solan, September 29
The sudden announcement of the byelections for Arki Assembly seat in Solan district has taken both BJP and Congress by surprise.
The Arki seat had fallen vacant after the death of six-time Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh in July.
The BJP did not even get time to notify Chief Minister's announcement made during his August 13 visit to Arki where opening of a Block Development Office at Darlaghat was among the key announcements.
The BJP leaders convened a meeting of Solan mandal to chalk out its poll strategy where Purshottam Guleria, in-charge Shimla Lok Sabha, exhorted the leaders to work in unison to ensure the party's victory in the bypoll. He said meetings of other four BJP mandals would be convened soon to entrust duties.
The ticket aspirants of the BJP and the Congress have become active to refresh their claim for ticket. The Arki Kalyan Manch, which had staked claim for ticket for their candidate a few months ago, is also expected to raise the pitch.
The Congress which has not organised any poll-related meeting in the district. The byelection will be held in the midst of the festive season with nine-day Navratri and Dasehra falling in October.
Courtesy: Tribune News Service