Ravinder Kumar is a significant figure in Himachal Pradesh politics, known for his involvement in several elections over the years. His political career spans multiple elections, representing different political parties and making an impact on the electorate, particularly in the Jaisinghpur constituency. Let's take a closer look at his journey, focusing on the key elections and the results that defined his political presence.
Ravinder Kumar Himachal Pradesh Early Political Beginnings
Ravinder Kumar first rose to prominence during the 2012 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election. This was his first major appearance in the political arena. He contested as an independent candidate in the Jaisinghpur constituency, a position historically dominated by the Indian National Congress (INC). During this election, Kumar managed to secure 8,006 votes, which amounted to 17.62% of the total vote share. Although he did not win, his presence in the race marked the beginning of his political career.
In the same election, Yadvinder Goma from the INC emerged victorious with 22,233 votes, securing 48.93% of the total vote share. The victory margin was substantial, with Goma defeating his closest rival, Atma Ram from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who received 12,498 votes (27.51%). Despite not winning, Kumar’s independent run showed his potential and laid the groundwork for future political endeavors.
The 2017 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Election
Fast forward to the 2017 Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly election, where Ravinder Kumar made a notable comeback in the Jaisinghpur constituency. This time, he stood as a candidate for the BJP. The election saw a major shift in the political landscape, with Ravi Dhiman of BJP emerging as the clear winner with a decisive 29,357 votes, securing 57.68% of the vote share. This was a significant increase of 30.17% compared to the previous election.
Yadvinder Goma, representing INC, garnered 18,647 votes (36.64%), marking a significant drop from his previous performance. The margin of victory in this election was 10,710 votes, reflecting a 21.04% difference between the winning BJP candidate and the INC candidate.
The 2017 election also introduced new faces and parties into the race. For example, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate Kehar Singh received 1,082 votes (2.13%), and candidates from smaller parties such as the All India Manavadhikar Rajnaitik Dal and independent candidates like Mohinder Kumar also participated. However, despite the competition, it was BJP's Ravi Dhiman who emerged victorious, benefiting from a significant swing of 8.75% from the INC to BJP.
The 2022 Election: A Shift in the Political Landscape
The 2022 Himachal Pradesh elections witnessed significant changes in the political dynamics of the state. Ravinder Kumar was once again in the political fray, but this time, the BJP's dominance was challenged by new entrants and a shifting electorate. In this election, the key competitors included Sushil Kumar from the Rashtriya Devbhumi Party, Santosh Kumar from AAP, and several independent candidates, including Surender Singh and Dr. Kehar Singh.
BJP's Ravi Dhiman secured 25,362 votes, which accounted for 45.58% of the total vote share. His victory margin in 2022 was 2,696 votes, representing a decrease of 16.20% from the previous election. This suggests that the political tide was shifting, with voter turnout also declining slightly to 65.32%, a decrease of 0.37% compared to the 2017 elections.
The results of the 2022 elections also saw the rise of new political parties. Sushil Kumar from the Rashtriya Devbhumi Party, despite not winning, received 943 votes (1.69%), indicating a growing support base for regional political alternatives. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), represented by Santosh Kumar, secured 697 votes (1.25%), while the NOTA (None of the Above) option saw 298 votes (0.54%).
Personal Life and Other Contributions
Ravinder Kumar is not only known for his political career but also for his work outside the political arena. He currently resides in Alampur, a sub-tehsil of Jaisinghpur in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. He lives with his wife and remains actively involved in various community and social projects.
In addition to his political career, Kumar is also recognized for his role as the chairperson of an NGO focused on community development. His commitment to social causes and public service is evident through his involvement in these projects, which aim to improve the lives of the underprivileged and contribute to the overall development of the region.
Conclusion
Ravinder Kumar political journey has been marked by determination and resilience. From his early days as an independent candidate in the 2012 elections to his role in BJP's campaigns in later years, Kumar has witnessed the ebb and flow of political fortunes in Himachal Pradesh. His victories and losses have shaped his standing in the state’s political landscape. Whether as a candidate from the BJP or a community leader, Ravinder Kumar continues to be a significant figure in the ongoing evolution of Himachal Pradesh’s politics. His ability to adapt and respond to the changing dynamics of the electorate suggests that he will remain a key player in the region for years to come.