Himachal Pradesh BJP is trying hard to re-strengthen itself and overcome the setback it suffered in the 2012 Assembly polls trying to bring back the rebel outfit Himachal lokhit Party (HlP) to party fold.

Himachal lokhit Party (HlP) which maintained equal distance from both BJP and Congress during Assembly polls, led to polarisation of BJP votes and pushed the saffron party to defeat though it itself won only one seat.

The BJP’s current dilemma is Mandi parliamentary seat, a Congress stronghold, represented by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh and the only leader with a stature from BJP, who has managed to conquer the fortress of Congress is HlP chief Maheshwar Singh. The BJP after the debacle in Assembly polls has time and again approached Maheshwar Singh to return to party fold but things have not worked. With elections round the corner, things seem to be changing and Maheswar Singh is in Delhi and had held secret meetings with senior BJP and RSS leaders two days back. Sources say that it is likely that HlP will merge with BJP in coming days and Maheswar Singh could be fielded against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh. When contacted, Maheshwar Singh confirmed that he is in touch with some BJP leaders but said that all options are open. “We are also in touch with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which is trying to make foray into Himachal Pradesh but at this juncture I can only say that all options are open for the HlP,” said Maheswar Singh.  Meanwhile, State BJP chief Satpal Singh Satti who has on numerous occasions tried to pacify Singh and facilitate his comeback to party fold said that in politics nothing is impossible and anything can happen any time. BJP sources, however confirmed that any decision on BJP-HlP merger or alliance deal could be expected soon and the matter is pending before the Central leadership and parliamentary board.