Result update: Dhani Ram Shandil of Congress faced defeat to BJP's Suresh Kashyap by 327515 votes.
Shimla Lok Sabha constituency voted on 19th May in the seventh phase of polling.
Constituency profile:
Shimla Lok Sabha constituency is witnessing a close contest between two military veterans. BJP has dropped its sitting MP Virender Kashyap after perceiving that the anti-incumbency against him is massive. The fact that he failed to get the tribal status for Hatti community is also likely to work against BJP also.
The party has fielded Suresh Kashyap who is fighting against Congress candidate Dhani Ram Shandil. This seat is reserved for SC candidates and both the main nominees belong to the Koli community. Historically this seat has been a complete Congress bastion. Only four times have any one else won from Shimla. However, in the last two elections, BJP won thus raising the saffron hopes for a hattrick. It hopes that changing candidate will negate the anti-incumbency factor to an extent.
There are 17 assembly segments under Shimla Lok Sabha constituency including Shimla and Solan assembly, both popular tourist spots. Shimla Lok Sabha along with three other seats of Himachal Pradesh will be voting on 19th May.
