Virbhadra confident of returning to power

Hamirpur, Dec 6 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today expressed confidence that the Congress will return to power after the Assembly elections, riding on the phenomenal developmental works in the state during its tenure.

Addressing a press conference here, he said the Congress' performance in the state during the last four-and-a-half years would help the party to regain to power comfortably.

Terming the BJP's rallies in different parts of the state yesterday a ''flop show'', he said, despite the presence of five senior leaders in the rallies, they failed to attract large audiences.

Mr Singh said only a few hundred people and party activists were present in the rallies, proving that the party had failed in identifying itself with the common man.

Replying to a question, he said the party would release its manifesto in a day or two and this would become the policy document.

He claimed that all the promises made in the last elections had been fulfilled.

The Chief Minister came down heavily on the BJP leader and former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal for his assertions that he was hitting below the belt during his election rallies.

It was Mr Dhumal who was raking up unnecessary controversies to remain in news, he said, adding that this gimmick would not help him to come to power.

Referring to an advertisement in a vernacular paper, which made derogatory comments against him and his MP wife, he said the party was considering a proposal to sue the newspaper and the BJP for tarnishing his image.

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