Dharamsala (HP), Nov 30: Unemployment and inflation are the main issues that will dominate the forthcoming Himachal Pradesh Assembly elections.

Voters in Dharamsala and surrounding areas are looking forward to a government that will solve the long-standing issues afflicting the region, including unemployment and illiteracy.

The voters want an honest government that will promote development of the State.

"Which party comes to power is not of much concern. What matters is that it should be clean and should dispense justice to all," said Ajay Kumar, a resident.

Young voters want a government that can create jobs.

"Whichever government comes to power should provide employment to the youth and tackle the problem of rising prices," said Ajay.

The political leaders are busy in blaming the other for the problems afflicting the region.

For the first time in the political history of Himachal Pradesh, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), a party other then the BJP and Congress is in the fray.

V S Mankotia, the State convener of the BSP, who will contest the State Assembly elections from Dharamsala seat, is more than happy to exploit the internal rifts in the two main rival parties and is relying on the caste configuration of the State.

"We have a 28 per cent backward class population, the second largest in Himachal Pradesh," said Mankotia, a two-time former tourism minister.

While Chandresh Kumari will contest on Congress ticket, Kishan Kapoor will contest on BJP ticket from Dharamsala.

The Congress has made peace and harmony between people of different religions, castes or areas as the main plank of its electoral strategy.

On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made corruption, inflation and matters like unemployment as the main poll plank.

Polling for the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will take place on December 19, and the counting of votes will take place on December 28. (ANI)