Nine ex-MLAs throw weight behind Sukhu

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 16

Nine former legislators, president of the State Mahila Congress and Legal Cell today came out in support of Congress formerpresident Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.

In a statement issued here, the nine former MLAs — Kuldeep Singh Pathania, Mansa Ram, Sohan Lal, Surender Bhardwaj, Surender Kaku, Tilak Raj, Ramnath Sharma and Ganesh Dutt Bharwal — said the party had been consolidated by Sukhu by energising and activating workers and leaders.

They said the remarks by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh against Sukhu in his home district of Hamirpur were highly objectionable. They added that it was the time for the party to fight the BJP and not indulge in internal squabbling.

Chairman of the Congress Legal Cell IN Mehta and State Mahila Congress president too lauded Sukhu’s stint as party president.

Meanwhile, AICC in-charge Rajni Patil arrived here to be present at a Congress rally to be held here tomorrow to mark the official takeover as state president by Kuldeep Rathore. Senior leaders, including Virbhadra Singh, Mukesh Agnihotri and party MLAs, are expected to be present at the rally where an attempt will be made to send a signal that the party is united.

The last three days have seen the Congress being divided and party leaders taking sides in the verbal duel between Virbhadra and Sukhu.