Welcome to the 2nd episode of Inside Himachal – Politics & Culture with Ajay K Saklanni. This episode features Ashish Sharma, the young and dynamic MLA from Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh. Ashish looks back at three years of his journey as a first-time legislator – from contesting as an independent candidate, becoming an independent MLA who initially supported the Congress government, to later joining the BJP and winning the 2024 by-election from Hamirpur on a BJP ticket.In this in-depth conversation, he talks about the kind of development Himachal needs, gaps and failures he sees in the present Congress government, and why he felt compelled to switch sides. Ashish addresses the legal cases filed against him and his family, which he alleges are politically motivated, and explains how these battles have shaped his politics. He also shares his vision for boosting art, culture and tourism in Himachal, and reflects on how his engineering profession and political family background have influenced his thinking as a public representative.If you want to understand the new generation of Himachal politics, power equations in Hamirpur, and the personal story behind Ashish Sharma’s rise, watch this episode till the end.
(00:56) Introduction
(02:16) Breaking Record
(03:12) Beginning in Politics
(04:53) Story behind Independent Contesting
(06:44) Aam Aadmi Party Invitation
(07:23) Joining BJP and By-Elections
(09:12) Role of Hamirpur in 2027 Himachal Elections
(10:34) Internal Conflict in BJP Himachal
(11:42) Three Years's Experience
(13:05) Difference between Independent MLA vs Party Member
(15:02) Problems as an opposition MLA
(17:12) Work of BJP govt in Himachal during 2017-22
(18:45) BJP's 2027 CM face in Himachal
(19:25) Vision for Himachal as a Young Leader
(21:59) Thoughts on Manimahesh Yatra & Kinner Kailash Yatra
(23:42) Vision for Art, Culture and Performing Art in Himachal
(26:13) Message to the People of Himachal Pradesh