A day after, ex-CM Shanta says will work for party

Tribune News Service
Dharamsala, September 5

A day after releasing a letter on social media stating that he was withdrawing from active politics, the veteran BJP leader and former CM Shanta Kumar in a statement issue here today has said that Dharamsala byelection was the collective responsibility of the party.

In carefully worded statement, Shanta Kumar stated that despite the fact that he was not contesting the parliamentary elections, he worked hard for the party in all parts of the state. “I will again work for the party if assigned any duty”, he said.

“I am fully satisfied with my life and am reaching age of 86. I have decided to devote most of my time now for social service in Vivekanand Trust in Palampur. God and party have given me everything in my over 60 year political carrier and I am fully satisfied.”

He said, “We give suggestions for candidates in byelections and decision to select the candidate was on the party. If the party seeks my services I would be at the forefront”.

The decision regarding the working of the ministers in the current Cabinet was the prerogative of the Chief Minister.

In a letter released on social media Yesterday, Shanta Kumar had stated that he would confine himself to writing his autobiography and Vivekanand Trust and would be available for general public for just one hour.

He had also stated that he would be withdrawing from active politics. The letter was released after Shanta Kumar had a meeting with Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.