Shanta seeks end to ‘confrontational politics’ in HP

DHARAMSHALA: Veteran leader and Kangra MP Shanta Kumar on Sunday hailed the generational shift in the BJP and Congress in Himachal and expressed hope that it will end the “confrontational politics”.

“There has been a big transformation in Himachal politics after the assembly polls which is definitely a change for better,” said Shanta. Both the BJP and Congress have handed over the reins to the younger generation, he said.

The veteran leader said that Jai Ram is first leader from politically significant Mandi district, which gave BJP nine out of 10 seats in the recently-held assembly polls.

“In one way, the party has honoured Jai Ram for such a massive victory and a long cherished dream of Mandi people of having a CM has also been fulfilled,” he added. On the other hand, the Congress has also appointed young leader Mukesh Agnihotri as leader of CLP. The journalistturned politician, Agnihotri, got the post by registering several consecutive victories, said Shanta.

The former chief minister further said that Himachal politics in last five years was marred by allegations and counter-allegations which ultimately took a toll on the development process.

“There was criticism for sake of criticism and a lot of protests. Such things do not suit the democratic setup,” said Shanta.

He urged the new leadership of both the ruling BJP and Congress to end the “confrontational politics” and start “politics of cooperation”. “Let there be a positive criticism and the opposition should help pace up the development,” he said.