Chandigarh : The political arena in Chandigarh is abuzz with anticipation as the Lok Sabha elections draw near. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forward Sanjay Tandon as its candidate, setting the stage for a heated contest. However, the Congress party’s decision to reject seasoned politician Pawan Kumar Bansal in favor of Manish Tiwari has stirred up a storm of controversy.

With Tiwari entering the fray for the first time in Chandigarh, challenges loom large on his path to victory. The decision has sparked resentment within Bansal’s camp, raising doubts about the unity of the India Alliance. Tiwari’s lack of local electoral experience adds another layer of complexity to the race.

Despite Tiwari’s credentials as a former Member of Parliament from Ludhiana and his victory in Anandpur Sahib in 2019, the historical precedence of local candidates prevailing in Chandigarh underscores the uphill battle he faces.

It seems like Manish Tiwari is positioning himself as deeply connected to his roots and prepared to face any personal attacks head-on. Asserting his identity and resilience could be his strategy to counter any criticism and connect with voters in Chandigarh. It’ll be interesting to see how this narrative plays out in the context of the Lok Sabha elections.

Bansal, a seasoned leader with six Lok Sabha elections under his belt and four victories, commands an intimate understanding of Chandigarh’s issues. His grassroots connections and month-long engagements with the electorate further solidify his position.

Similarly, BJP’s Satyapal Jain, a two-time Member of Parliament from Chandigarh, boasts a long-standing commitment to serving the city’s residents. The legacy of late Harmohan Dhawan, who secured victory in 1989, serves as a testament to the significance of local representation in Chandigarh’s political landscape.

As the contenders gear up for a fierce electoral showdown, Chandigarh braces itself for a high-stakes battle where every vote counts.