CM's reply on godfather unconvincing, says BJP

Shimla, Nov 30 (UNI) Terming Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's reply on Thind's issue unconvincing, the BJP today demanded his resignation, saying that he was defending suspended ADGP B S Thind who had referred to him as ''godfather''.

Addressing a press conference here, party spokesman Randhir Sharma said the Chief Minister just could not deny the fact that he had been shielding and protecting Mr Thind ever since he came to power.

He said the police officer's five years absence from duty was not only condoned by the Virbhadra Singh government but all dues were also released to him.

Further, the government tried to withdraw cases against him and even moved an application in the district court, he said, adding that it was strange that CBI which came here to arrest Mr Thind in criminal cases registered in Punjab could not arrest him inspite of the fact that he was holding the charge of state's CID.

It was just not possible that the state government was not aware of the whereabouts of a senior police officer holding a sensitive post, he said.

Mr Singh's attempt for terming former chief minister P K Dhumal a godfather to HP Subordinate Services Selection Board (HPSSSB) Chairman, S M Katwal, and former HP University Vice- Chancellor, S D Sharma was in a ''bad taste,'' he added.

MORE UNI AS DP MS KN1928