Parties welcome HP assembly elections

Shimla, Oct 10 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh units of BJP, Congress, BSP and CPM today welcomed assembly elections in the state in two phases on November 14 and December 19 with each claiming to emerge victorious in these polls.

Senior BJP and former state chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, welcoming the elections, said it was a ''good opportunity'' for the state electorate to vote out the present ''corrupt'' Congress Government.

He said the Virbhadra Singh Government was one of the most corrupt state government ever and one which did little for the development of the state.

Accusing the state government of doing little on unemployment front and check prices of essential commodities, Mr Dhumal said it had failed miserably on all fronts during its tenure following which the development of the state had come to a standstill.

People of the state now have an opportunity to vote in the progressive BJP, which has been responsible for the all round development of the state during its earlier tenures, he said.

To a question on the BSP's prospects in the polls, Mr.

Dhumal said the BJP and the Congress were the only two recognised parties in the state and the presence of the BSP would have no impact in the state.

Hailing the assembly election schedule, Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) president Viplove Thakur said the party was ready for them.

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