Congress denies cross voting in presidential voting

Shimla, July 22 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee (HPCC) President Viplove Thakur today denied cross voting in the presidential elections, saying all the Congress and associate members had voted for the UPA candidate Pratibha Patil.

In a release issued here, she said all 42 Congress legislators and five associate members had participated in a mock exercise just before the elections and the UPA candidate had received all the votes of the party members.

Ms Thakur said the party and associate members had also participated in the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting held a day before the elections and there was no indication of any cross voting.

Meanwhile, the HPCC today dissolved the Shahpur Block Congress Committee for indulging in anti party activities, while naming Dev Dutt as the new president of the block with immediate effect.

Shahpur Block president Madan Lal and member executive committee member Onkar besides others have also been issued show cause notices for organizing meetings at Shahpur in support of BSP in view of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's rally at Kangra on July 26.

The leaders have been asked to explain their conduct before July 28, failing which disciplinary action would be taken against them.

UNI