But the decision is not very rational.”

In Kaul Singh’s support, two office-bearers of the district Congress and seven other leaders of the Youth Congress today sent their resignations to protest against Madan Lal’s candidature. They include Des Raj and Kamal Pathania, both DCC secretaries. “Giving a ticket to an outsider will adversely harm the party’s interests and it needs to be reviewed,” they said.

The PCC president had been backing Narinder Thakur ever since he joined the Congress last year. But, a section of Congress leaders, including former PCC president and Rajya Sabha member Viplove Thakur, along with a few sitting and former MLAs, were not comfortable with Narinder Thakur’s candidature. They, instead, suggested Madan Lal’s name to the high command and got the backing of Union Minister for External Affairs Anand Sharma and CLP leader Vidya Stokes.

A rival party group has hailed Madan Lal’s candidature and termed him the most “befitting” person to fight Anurag Thakur and bring victory to the Congress. “Who does not know Madan Lal’s standing as an outstanding cricketer and TV personality. I believe the high command has found a most suitable candidate to give the BJP a tough fight in Hamirpur,” said Viplove Thakur.