Mahajan's letter surprises HPCC chief

Shimla, Oct 13 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Animal Husbandry Minister Harsh Mahajan's letter to his constituency electorate that he will not contest the coming assembly elections has surprised HP Congress Committee (HPCC) president Viplove Thakur.

''I am really surprised at Mr Harsh Mahajan's letter. This could have been avoided,'' she told UNI here over telephone from New Delhi.

Ms Viplove said it was very difficult to react without going through the contents of the letter, but added it had surprised her since Mr Mahajan had not brought it to her notice.

Meanwhile, another Congress leader, requesting anonymity, told UNI here that the minister was for the last few days saying to retire from active politics.

''However, he will make this announcement so early has come a shock,'' he added.

UNI