Himachal Pradesh: Virbhadra Singh's son fancies his chances from father's constituency

It’s not easy being a dynast in today’s politics. Or, perhaps it gets easier when your father vacates what seems like a sure-shot seat to ensure a winning debut. That’s what Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh has done for his 27-year-old son Vikramaditya, who will contest from the Shimla (Rural) constituency — from where his father was elected CM six times.

The Congress in Himachal chose to make an exception to its “one family, one ticket” dictum by announcing the nomination of the younger Singh; his father has moved to the tougher Arki seat, a BJP stronghold in the last two elections.

Vikramaditya is the president of the Himachal Youth Congress, and no surprises on where he expects his votes to come from. “Over the last five years, the state government under my father’s leadership has done a lot for the youth. Unemployed young people are provided ` 1,000 a month as unemployment allowance till they find jobs. Those registered with the employment exchange or technical agencies get a skill development allowance, too,” he told ET Magazine in an exclusive interview at Holly Lodge, the family residence, in Shimla last weekend.

He added that the state skill development corporation was tying up with MNCs and private companies to help provide jobs for young people. “If our party forms the next government again in the state, we will focus on tourism in a big way.” Wooing back human resources that have moved to other states will also be a focus area.

Vikramaditya is the richest candidate in the fray, having declared personal assets of Rs 84.32 crore. Talk of wealth inevitably brings the spotlight back to the corruption charges on his father. The son believes it is a political witch hunt. “In every state that the BJP finds strong political opponents, they use such tactics and Central agencies against them. This is a very dangerous trend initiated by the Central government.”

The scion feels that the BJP’s delay in announcing Prem Kumar Dhumal as its chief ministerial face created uncertainty among its supporters and party workers.

“They are depending on PM Narendra Modi’s image and charisma to win the elections. However, despite declaring that Himachal is his second home, the PM has not announced any Himachal-specific packages during any of his visits here.”