CM takes on Dhumal over corruption issue

Mandi, Dec 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today launched a scathing attack on the former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal over the corruption issue, saying the previous BJP Government's rule was marred by corruption and scams.

''The fact that four ministers and three legislators of his own party had leveled serious allegations against their own government is proof of the level of corruption during Mr Dhumal's tenure,'' he said at a press conference here.

Mr Singh said corruption had assumed alarming proportions during the BJP rule when jobs were sold and the HP Sub-ordinate Services Selection Board (HPSSSB) had become a den of corruption.

Following sustained pressure by the state government, the then chairman of the board S M Katwal was convicted in three different cases, he said, adding that, however, this was more of a blow to Mr Dhumal then the chairman.

He said the former CM was also responsible for summarily clearing 100 small power projects in 15 minutes in a cabinet meeting, sacrificing the interests of the state.

Referring to the political witch hunt launched against him by the then BJP Government, the Chief Minister said it had registered 26 different casee against him.

''However, in all the cases the court had absolved me.'' Ridiculing Mr Dhumal's remark that development could not be an election issue, Mr Singh said he was right because no development took place in the state during the BJP rule, which was marred by corruption and scams.

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