Virbhadra to remain in office till March 9

Shimla, Dec 22 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today reiterated that he will act as the chief minister of the state till March 9, when the next government resumes office.

Talking to newspersons here today, Mr Singh asserted that during that period, his government would not function like a lame duck, but would act with full-fledged authority on state affairs.

''This is in accordance to the constitutional right to run the government, till the tenure date doesn't come to an end'', he said.

Citing the reference of the Tamil Nadu government, he said it was according to the constitution that the government was given time to function and he would not quit the office earlier than March 9.

''Even after that, there would be no need to do so. The reason being Congress is going to form the next government as well in state'' he said.

UNI