Mankotia resigns as BSP convenor

Dharamshala, Dec 31 (UNI) BSP's Himachal Pradesh convener Vijai Singh Mankotia today resigned from his post, owning responsibility for the ''party's poor performance in the state.

Addressing a press conference here, he said he had sent in his resignation to party supremo and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

Mr Mankotia, however, added that he would continue to work for party as he had faith in its principles and in Ms Mayawati's leadership.

Greeting new state Chief Minister P K Dhumal on assuming the charge of the state, he said his present position had brought with it new challenges.

''I only hope that Mr Dhumal will live up to the expectations of the people of the state.'' Reiterating charges of corruption against the previous Virbhadra Singh Government, he said the anti-people policies and programmes by the former Chief Minister had left the state in a financial mess.

Mr Mankotia said though the BSP could not make an impact in the state in the elections, but had been successful in rooting out the Congress.

The BSP's next target would be to take on the BJP, he added.

Dwelling upon the party's debacle in the state, he said the BSP had received overwhelming response in every constituency and lost the elections to money power of both the Congress and the BJP.

Besides, lack of party structure also went against the party, which would now begin preparations for the next Lok Sabha polls, he added.

UNI