Infighting in State BJP is cropping up again as its National vice-president Shanta Kumar, who has been keeping away from the affairs of the state unit of the party, praised Himachal Lokhit Party (HLP) leaders’ contribution for BJP.
In a press conference at Palampur, Shanta Kumar targeted its own party and criticised its few leaders for dividing it. He said that mission repeat is not possible without its disgruntled leaders, who have formed party after felt aloof in present setup.
He praised now HLP leaders for their contribution. Maheshwar Singh joined the party when the BJP was formed in late seventies despite being under tremendous pressure from his family and political opponents. He remained the party president and party MP and worked very hard for the party.
Shanta Kumar said that Mohinder Singh Sofat established the party in Shimla and Sirmaur districts. He sold his only livelihood to establish the party in the district. Some leaders hatched a conspiracy and misguided the national leadership and the party ticket was denied to Sofat. Radha Raman Shastri remained in jail for 19 months during the Emergency for the party. He did not yield to all kind of atrocities and stood by the party. He added that after knowing all these facts, how BJP and I can forget the contribution of such people to the state BJP.
Shanta Kumar added that BJP leaders in the state are suffering from three types of intoxication. A few leaders have been intoxicated by power, others by money power and the third group by isolation and humiliation within the party.
He also criticised party few leaders clamor for new districts, but refused to comment on it. He said that party is not consulting him for any decision and he doesn’t want comment on it. However he assured that if party wants to consult him on issue he will give his opinion. In Punjab, BJP voted in power with its ally only after surgical operation, where four ministers and five chairmen facing corruption charges were dropped and in Himachal Pradesh similar operation needed. Shanta Kumar also declared Bangaru Laxman episode as black chapter in the history of the BJP.
