Shanta seeks action against CM

Dharamshala, Nov 14 (UNI) Bharatiya Janata Party National Vice President Shanta Kumar today urged the President of India and the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to take strict action Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for his statements against the Election Commission (EC).

Addressing a press conference here, he said Mr Singh's remark was an insult to the constitutional body and the democratic principles of the country.

Terming his statements against the EC as the rumblings of a party leader who was on his way out, Mr Kumar said he should not cross the limits of ethics and should bow out of the office with all humility.

Citing his example, the former state chief minister said he left the CM's office with dignity and honour after the electorate voted his party out of power in 1980.

Criticising the Chief Minister for his several acts ever since the announcements of state assembly polls, he said he should give all due dignity and honour to the constitutional bodies.

Comparing the Chief Minister and Pakistan President General Musharaf, the BJP leader said the both were sticking on the power despite being aware of the fact that they have to go at one point of time.

Mr Kumar asserted after the party returned to power in the assembly elections it would initiate steps to weed out corruption and the corrupt from the society.

Referring to an illegal transfer industry thriving in the state, he said the BJP after coming to power would prepare a ''transparent transfer policy'', which would safeguard the interests of all the state government employees.

He assured to review the appointment of 15,000 people appointed by the present Congress Government, while ignoring the claims of meritorious candidates.

Replying to another question whether he would contest the assembly elections, the BJP leader said he has remained a dedicated leader of the party and would abide by its decision.

''I will contest the elections, if I am asked to do by the party.'' Former minister Vidya Sagar, Kashmir Singh Rana and former Zila Parished Chief Rattan Jagat Amba were present at the press conference.

Later, Mr Kumar addressed a public meeting in the local municipal stadium here and called upon the party workers to intensify their door to door campaigning in the state.

UNI