Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s Wife to Make Poll Debut From Dehra: Who is Kamlesh Thakur?

New Delhi: Himachal Presh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's wife, Kamlesh Thakur, is all set to make her poll debut. Thakur will be contesting Dehra assembly bypoll slated to be held on July 10. 

Sukhu's wife Kamlesh Thakur's name appear in list of candidates released by Congress general secretary K C Venugopal on Tuesday. She has been fielded from Dehra seat against two-time Independent MLA Hoshiyar Singh, who is contesting this election on a BJP ticket.

Who is Kamlesh Thakur? 

Born on April 2, 1970, in Nalsooha village in Dehra subdivision of Kangra district, Kamlesh Thakur is an MA in Political Science from Government College Chandigarh. She also holds PG Diploma in Computer Application. Kamlesh Thakur has an interest in social service, particularly in area of women empowerment. Over past 20 years, she has been an active member of Himachal Presh Congress Committee.

All About Dehra Constituency 

Dehra constituency was carved out after delimitation in 2010. In first election held after that in 2012, Ravinder Singh Ravi of BJP secured victory. While Independent candidate Hoshiyar Singh was elected twice in 2017 and 2022.   Congress party has never won this seat. 

Didn't Want Wife to Contest Polls: Sukhu 

Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that he did not want his wife to contest elections, ding that Congress high command insisted upon her candidature. "I was not willing that my wife contests elections but could not refuse to Congress High command" Sukhu told reporters late on Tuesday night. He said his wife emerged as front-runner in party survey but he still did not want her to contest as he believed only one person from family to be in politics.

He said party leership h told him during Lok Sabha elections too that Thakur should contest elections "but I was not willing". "This time again when High Command insisted, I could not refuse" given what political scenario in state demanded.

"But given political scenario in state, we needed a strong candidate to contest from Dehra assembly constituency. My wife hails from Dehra, her family members live re and even panchayat representatives wanted her to contest and I could not say no to High Command. I h earlier said that 'Dehra is mera' and my wife would represent me in Dehra for next three-and-a-half years and ensure development of area," Sukhu said. 

(With PTI inputs)