Rising Tensions in Kangra BJP: Pawan Kajal and Sudhir Sharma's Political Divide

Political Tensions Surface in Kangra BJP

TNR News Network
Dharamshala

Internal conflicts within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kangra are becoming increasingly evident, particularly regarding the dynamics between Kangra MLA Pawan Kajal and Dharamshala MLA Sudhir Sharma.

The latest development arose during a recent protest organized by the BJP outside the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau office in Dharamshala, following the initiation of a disproportionate-assets case against Sharma. The party mobilized its workers, office-bearers, former MLAs, and key leaders for the demonstration. Notably, Kajal was absent, which has drawn significant attention.

This absence is particularly striking given the history of both leaders not appearing together at various events, despite their influential roles within the BJP's Kangra unit.

Sharma is currently under scrutiny due to an FIR filed by the Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, which alleges that he possesses assets that exceed his known income sources. The agency's preliminary investigation involved reviewing income tax returns, election affidavits, property records, and other relevant documents. Sharma has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.

The implications of Kajal's absence are magnified by their recent joint assignments from the BJP. In April, the party tasked Pawan Kajal, Sudhir Sharma, and Sachin Sharma with overseeing the Dharamshala Municipal Corporation election, indicating their collaborative roles in broader organizational and electoral strategies.

This growing distance between the two leaders is becoming increasingly significant.

A Pattern of Political Distance

The current speculation surrounding their relationship is not based on isolated incidents.

Political analysts in Kangra have been scrutinizing the dynamics between Kajal and Sharma since a photograph posted on Kajal's social media showed the two together, but with Sharma cropped out. While the intent behind this cropping is unclear, it sparked considerable discussion within local BJP circles.

Since that incident, Kajal has missed several events associated with Sharma, including a celebration for Sharma's birthday, where other BJP leaders were present.

While none of these absences alone indicate a political split, collectively they contribute to a perception of growing distance between two prominent BJP figures in Kangra.

This issue is particularly relevant as Kangra is the largest political district in the state and has historically influenced the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh.

Divergent Political Paths for Kajal and Sharma

Kajal and Sharma have taken distinct political journeys to reach their current positions within the BJP.

Kajal, a two-time MLA from Kangra, transitioned from Congress to BJP prior to the 2022 Assembly elections, winning the Kangra seat on a BJP ticket. His shift was politically significant, as he had previously been a prominent Congress leader in the district. His move was seen as part of the BJP's strategy to bolster its presence in Kangra.

Conversely, Sharma was a long-standing Congress leader and former minister before joining the BJP in 2024. He won the Dharamshala Assembly by-election on a BJP ticket and solidified his influence by leading the BJP to victory in 11 out of 17 wards in the 2026 Dharamshala Municipal Corporation elections.

Thus, they represent different political networks within the BJP's Kangra framework.

The Sudhir Sharma Factor

Sharma's rising political profile has not come without its challenges within the BJP.

His transition from Congress to BJP was contentious, facing resistance from some factions within the local BJP leadership at the time of his induction.

Recently, Sharma has emerged as a vocal critic of the Sukhu government, accusing it of political vendetta and administrative failures. Following the Vigilance FIR, he reiterated his claims of political motivation behind the case.

However, his confrontational political stance has not always garnered unanimous support from senior BJP leaders in Kangra.

His recent comments regarding Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's visit to Kangra, including a controversial remark about “Chamba chappal,” sparked political discussions. Public support from senior BJP leaders like Vipin Singh Parmar and Rakesh Pathania was notably absent, raising questions about the level of consensus regarding Sharma's aggressive political approach.

Nonetheless, the lack of public endorsement should not be interpreted as outright opposition or disagreement.

Kajal's Role Adds Complexity

Kajal remains a key figure within the BJP in Kangra. The party continues to assign him organizational roles; during the recent municipal corporation election process, he was tasked with coordinating the Dharamshala campaign alongside Sharma and other senior leaders.

His political engagement in Kangra has also been visible. In June, Kajal, serving as a BJP state vice-president, campaigned on issues such as healthcare and local development.

This makes his repeated absences from events involving Sharma more difficult to dismiss as mere scheduling conflicts—although Kajal's own explanation, if provided, would be crucial for a definitive conclusion.

Personal Dynamics or Broader Political Implications?

The central question extends beyond whether Kajal and Sharma have a personal rapport.

The real concern is whether the BJP's expanding influence in Kangra is leading to multiple centers of power.

The BJP currently holds a significant portion of Kangra's political landscape, with both Kajal and Sharma being prominent representatives. The party also includes other senior leaders from Kangra, such as Vipin Singh Parmar and Rakesh Pathania, each with their own political bases.

Given Kangra's electoral significance, internal coordination is crucial. The district comprises 15 Assembly constituencies, and its electoral outcomes have long been viewed as pivotal for government formation in the state.

Thus, the challenge for the BJP is not merely managing individual leader differences—common in political parties—but ensuring these differences remain manageable within the party structure.

Looking Ahead to 2027

As the next Assembly election approaches, the relationship between Kangra's BJP leaders will be closely monitored.

Will Kajal and Sharma collaborate as part of a unified BJP strategy?

Can the party maintain alignment among competing political networks?

Or will Kangra see the rise of distinct power centers within the BJP?

Currently, there is no public indication of a formal split or open conflict between Pawan Kajal and Sudhir Sharma.

However, the pattern of absences, the social media incident, differing political positions, and the contrasting public images of the two leaders have raised enough questions to warrant inquiry:

Is Kangra BJP on the brink of a quiet power struggle between Pawan Kajal and Sudhir Sharma, or is this merely political distance amplified by speculation?

The answer may become clearer as the BJP intensifies its preparations for the 2027 Assembly elections.