HP govt puts Oppn in spot over poll defeat

Congress is directionless; it is trying to cope with election fiasco: BJP

The dismal performance of the Congress party in the recent Assembly polls in fives states has given enough ammunition to the BJP government in Himachal Pradesh to hit back at the Opposition on the allegations of corruption against Health Minister Rajeev Bindal.

At the ongoing budget session, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal sharpened its attack on the Congress by saying it has lost its bearings after the Assembly results.
"The dilemma of the Congress leaders who committed one thing and did another reflects their lack of leadership in the state. It's a directionless, issueless party," said Dhumal.

Dhumal on Friday asked Leader of Opposition Vidya Stokes in the assembly to provide evidence she reportedly has in her possession regarding Bindal's illegal property.

"Despite my assurance to the Congress leaders that the government is open to investigate the charges not only against Bindal but against any minister if documents are provided, they have failed to do so. This shows their frustration after their nationwide humiliating defeat," he said.

It was the fifth consecutive day of protest by the opposition in the House on Friday over its demand of sacking of Bindal.

"The party is in disarray. Its senior leader Virbhadra Singh is saying that he is ready for the assembly poll in the state. This indicates factional war within the party," said BJP State chief Satpal Singh Satti.

Satti said two days ago Dhumal invited Congress leaders, including Stokes, to end the impasse in the house.

"The Congress earlier agreed to a vigilance probe into Bindal's assets but later backtracked and insisted on a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and his resignation. They themselves are not clear on their demand," he added.
On the other hand, Stokes said the party will submit a detailed chargesheet to the President of India for recommending a CBI probe.

Political observers said the Congress, plagued by infighting, has to put its house in order before the assembly's tenure ends in December.

Even Virbhadra Singh, five-time former chief minister, is critical of his own party leaders.However, State Congress chief Kaul Singh said: "The results of assembly elections will have no impact on Himachal Pradesh."

He also said a faction of the BJP has raised its voice against the rampant corruption and resigned from the party.