Himachal's Third Front: Ex-Minister Ram Lal Markanda Leads BJP-Congress Rebels

• A 'third front' is emerging in Himachal Pradesh, led by former BJP minister Ram Lal Markanda, comprising rebel leaders from both Congress and BJP, and former bureaucrats.
• Secret meetings have been held in Kullu, Shimla, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Mandi, with plans to expand to Kangra and Chamba districts.
• Markanda announced the front will soon form a new political party, aiming to build a strong organization across all 12 districts for the 2027 assembly elections.
• The initiative stems from widespread dissatisfaction with the current political situation in Himachal, creating difficulties for both BJP and Congress.
• Markanda, whose BJP ticket was cut in a by-election, is actively touring districts to gather support and build a collective effort for this new political alternative.