In a rare show of strength by Congress at BJP bastion Hamirpur, party’s candidate Rajendra Rana filed his nomination papers in the presence of Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and HPCC president Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
Amid talks of factionalism and section of party leaders not supporting or putting their whole hearted efforts to ensure victory for Rana, both Chief Minister and HPCC chief exhorted the party workers to muster support for Rana.
large number of people with drums and bugles chanted slogans for Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Sukhu, gathered at Hamirpur, where Rana filed his nomination papers in front of returning officer.
Along with Chief Minister and Sukhu, former Hamirpur legislator Urmil Thakur who joined Congress on Sunday after being denied ticket, accompanied Rana and also called her supporters to teach BJP a lesson.
Sukhu, who also hails from Nadaun Assembly segment of Hamirpur district, asked the party workers that no dereliction of any kind would be tolerated by the party and everyone will have to ensure the win of Rana.
It was alleged that a section of Hamirpur Congress, considered close to Sukhu, were abstaining themselves from Rana’s functions and campaigning, after HPCC chief failed to candidate of his choice from Hamirpur seat.
Sukhu wanted ticket for State Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri but party leadership showed its confidence in Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh's choice Rajendra Rana, who resigned from Assembly to contest the Hamirpur seat.
later addressing a gathering at Dharmpur of Hamirpur parliamentary constituency, Chief Minister said that huge turnout of supporters during nomination clearly indicates the popularity of Rana and he is going to win the seat. “Whatever corruption has taken place during previous government is being probed and no wrongdoer will be spared at any cost,” said Chief minister. He added that he is aware of the problems of the area and Government will work to ensure good roads in the area and expansion of irrigation schemes.
Targeting former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal and his son Anurag Thakur who is contesting the Hamirpur seat, he said that they have intentionally converted HPCA, which was a society into a company.
“Virbhadra Singh will not allow anyone to digest crores of rupees so easily,” added Chief Minister. “Anurag Thakur has shown his love for cricket and has no affection for the people of his constituency and therefore both Dhumal and Anurag Thakur should be sent to cricketing world,” he added
Chief Minister said that BJP does not have any issues in the state and therefore raking the name of Narendra Modi to get the votes. “I am confident that Congress is winning all four seats of the State,” he said.