There is another dimension to the Mankotia factor. Three districts of the state — Kangra, Hamirpur and Bilaspur — have a high concentration of ex-servicemen and Mankotia has been the president of the H.P. Ex-Services League since 1983. In addition he has been chairman of the Vishal Himachal Mazdoor Sangh. The extent to which he is able to corner the votes of ex-servicemen and industrial workers will be a loss to both the Congress and BJP.

There is still time for either of the two parties to rope in Mankotia’s outfit through some trade off. That would neutralise the challenge posed by the BSP. This is, of course, not easy because Mayawati is determined to extend her catchment area, as a long-term strategy. One has to wait till the final battle-lines are drawn.

The writer retired as professor of political science, Panjab University. Till recently, he was fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla