HP CM conspiring to hold mid-term elections in state: Dhumal

Jalandhar, Oct 1 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal today alleged that the present Virbhadra Singh Government was considering the option of going for mid term assembly elections to avert possible negative impact of outcome of the Punjab assemly elections, due to be held in February next year.

Talking to reporters here today, Mr Dhumal said the ruling Congress had been losing popularity both in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.

He said that defeat of the ruling Congress and installation of SAD-BJP coalition Government in Punjab after the next election is almost certain and fall of the Congress Government in this state would surely have negative impact on fate of the Congress party in next assembly elections in Himachal Pradesh.

In a bid to avert that difficult situation, the Virbhadra Government is seriously considering the option of holding snap assembly polls in the state alongwith Punjab assembly elections.

He said if the government decided for early elections, his party would welcome the step as it was ready to face poll any time.

UNI SS SY KP2046