Himachal BJP row persists

The need for unity efforts arose after the elections to the post of the state unit president were postponed when unruly scenes were witnessed on the election day at Jwalamukhi, following the disqualification of about 25 members of Shanta Kumar camp.

The rival faction led by Dhumal, however, had made it clear that they would not let these differences come in their way during the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to be held next year.

Former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar seemed to be unhappy and was believed to be on an offensive. According to him, BJP failed to play an effective role of Opposition in the Vidhan Sabha and regretted that some leaders had mortgaged the interests of the party in the hands of Virbhadra Singh.

The local BJP workers and office bearers, who had assembled at the Circuit House, were still waiting for the two party leaders as they believed their arrival had been delayed due to the inclement weather. Another reason being accorded for their delay was the public meeting of Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh chief Rajinder Singh at Jwalamukhi.

Meanwhile, it is reliably learnt that a top leader of Himachal Vikas Congress and a BJP leader held a secret meeting at Palampur which was allegedly organised by former BJP leader, who has now joined HVC, to seek the BJP faction8217;s support in the forth coming Lok Sabha elections.