Congress optimist of forming government in HP

Shimla, Dec 17 (UNI) Optimistic of emerging victorious in all the 65 Himachal Pradesh Assembly seats where polling is to be held in the second phase, the Congress today said it will form the next government in the state with a thumping majority.

Addressing mediapersons here, HP Congress Committee (HPCC) secretary Kuldeep Singh Rathore said huge crowds in Congress rallies reflected the peoples' faith in the party, as against the BJP, which was witnessing thin attendance in its rallies.

Referring to BJP leaders Sushma Sawarj and Shatrughan Sinha's statements questioning the Nehru-Gandhi family's contribution towards nation, he said their role in nation building was acknowledged the worldover.

He claimed that the BJP activists were now a ''demoralised lot'' as the various poll rallies organised by party's star campaigners across the state saw a poor turnout.

Replying to a question on the BSP, he said the resignation by its state president, Balwant Singh, from the party had exposed the party's ''real face'' before the public.

Mr Singh has levelled serious charges of mismanagement of funds by its national secretary Man Singh Manhera and chief ministerial candidate in Himachal Vijai Singh Mankotia.

These allegations have exposed the BSP and pushed it to a back foot while it was trying to set up its base in the state, he added.

UNI