Cong legislators flay Sukhu for his outburst against Virbhadra

SHIMLA : As many as eleven Congress legislators on Monday flayed former party chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for his outburst against former chief minister Virbhadra Singh.

Sukhu on Sunday launched an offensive against Virbhadra Singh saying that the octogenarian leader has always put himself above the party and cannot tolerate leaders who work for its welfare. “It is Virbhadra Singh’s habit to criticise and oppose leaders who have made significant contribution in the party and worked towards its development. He is opposing me because I worked for party’s welfare with devotion and dedication. He resorts to such stints right before elections,” Sukhu said.

In a joint statement issued here, the Congress lawmakers, including All India Congress Committee secretary Asha Kumari, criticised the former chief for his comments and termed it as his “frustration out of losing the position”. “Virbhadra Singh is a veteran leader who worked with first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and during Manmohan Singh-led UPA rule. Sukhu’s remarks were not only an insult to Virbhadra but also disgrace to the people of Himachal,” they said.

“Sukhu crossed limits by stating that Congress doesn’t need Virbhadra. He has no authority to issue such statement as he is not a party president now,” said the Congress legislators.

They further accused Sukhu of making appointments of his whims to destabilise the established leaders and legislators.