Balbir Singh Verma Stands Firm in Chopal, BJP’s Internal Rifts Come to Light
Three-time Chopal MLA and senior BJP leader Balbir Singh Verma has put an end to weeks of speculation, declaring that he will contest the 2027 Assembly elections from Chopal alone. His statement, made while addressing party workers at Nerwa, not only silenced rumours of him being shifted to Shimla Urban or Kasumpati but also highlighted the growing factionalism within the party in Shimla district.
Verma’s Clear Stand
Verma dismissed the chatter outright, saying there was “no question” of leaving Chopal. His words were widely seen as a direct response to internal lobbying and power struggles within the BJP.
A Political Journey with Weight
- Verma first won Chopal in 2012 as an Independent, when the BJP candidate failed to even save his deposit.
- He later joined the BJP and secured victories in 2017 and 2022.
- Before his rise, the BJP had last won Chopal in 1990, after which the seat largely remained with Congress or Independents.
Chopal: BJP’s Lone Stronghold in Shimla
In the 2022 Assembly elections, when the BJP was wiped out across Shimla district, Chopal stood out as the only seat the party retained. Congress swept seven of the eight constituencies, leaving Verma as the BJP’s sole winning face in the region.
Factionalism Overshadows Strategy
Instead of rallying around Verma, the BJP appears divided. The rumours of shifting him have exposed internal insecurities and rival power centres, giving Congress fresh ammunition. Party insiders suggest these whispers were not accidental but part of attempts to redraw equations ahead of 2027.
What It Means for the BJP
With the party currently out of power in Himachal and struggling in Shimla district, public infighting sends a damaging message. Verma’s clarification may have ended speculation, but it also laid bare the cracks weakening the BJP from within.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the episode signals early trouble. If factionalism continues unchecked, the BJP risks losing even its few bastions—handing Congress an advantage without a fight.
