Virbhadra Singh seeks HPCC's resignation

Shimla, Jan 6 (UNI) Former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today sought HP Congress Committee president Viplove Thakur resignation from her post on moral grounds following the defeat of the party in the assembly elections.

''After the party lost power in the state, I tendered my resignation from the chief ministership with any delay. She should also do the same and quit from her post,'' he said here.

Mr Singh also took exception to the HPCC president's statement that it was the defeat of the Congress government and not that of the party in the recently concluded assembly elections, saying the two were no separate but one.

''The party and the government are one and are jointly responsible for its defeat or victory in any election. Instead of introspecting as to why the party lost the elections, she was pointing fingers at others.'' Replying to a question on statements by three defeated party candidates blaming him for their defeat in the elections, he said these were ''false and motivated''.

The former chief minister said he had remained a dedicated party worker for years now and would never think of working against the interest of the party.

Replying to another question whether he was in the race for being named the leader of the opposition, he said it was up to the party high command to decide.

Mr Singh said he was ready to perform any function any role assigned to him by the party, adding that he was never in race for any post.

UNI XC AS HS MMS 1953