If the bribe-for-PPE-supply controversy in Himachal escalates, fanned helpfully by the Chief Minister and his supporters, the BJP could have a lot to lose
New Delhi, 31 OctoberBharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah on Tuesday said Prem Kumar Dhumal will be the party's chief ministerial candidate for the Himachal Pradesh assembly polls. Himachal Pradesh is scheduled to vote on November 9.While 73-year-old Dhumal is a two-time former chief minister of the state and the leader of the opposition in the Himachal Pradesh assembly, the BJP central leadership had earlier decided to go into the election without a chief ministerial face.That it has had to change its strategy with polling a mere nine days away has much to do with the rival Congress putting up a tough challenge, as to curb the rebellion within BJP ranks. On Monday, BJP had expelled seven of its party members, including a sitting legislator, for contesting against official party candidates.Dhumal turns 74 in April, a year short of the BJP's unofficial cut off age of 75 for its leaders to retire from occupying ministerial berths. However, if the BJP were to win Himachal ...