AAP, BJP spar; not being replaced, says Jai Ram

SHIMLA: Following Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia’s statement that BJP is considering replacing Jai Ram Thakur with Union minister Anurag Thakur as chief minister of Himachal Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections in the state, leaders of the ruling Saffron Party and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) engaged in a war of words on Thursday.

In a tweet, Sidodia said, “Fearing the increasing popularity of the Kejriwal model of governance, the BJP wants to replace its failed CM in Himachal and make Anurag Thakur take reins for four months. But whatever tactics the BJP adopts, the people of Himachal have made up their mind to give a chance to honest politics.”

Earlier, while addressing a press conference, Sisodia said the BJP has understood its failure and has come to realise that CM Jairam has done nothing for the public.

Sisodia’s assertions came a day after AAP’S national convener and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann held a roadshow at Jai Ram’s home turf in Mandi to launch their campaign in the hill state.

Refuting Sisodia’s claim on

AAP’S rising popularity in HP, Jai Ram said, “AAP had created much hype that a lot of people would participate in their maiden rally, but there were just 2,000-3,000 people. There were four times higher attendance at BJP’S foundation day function which was also held in Mandi. “

Thakur, who reached Shimla after spending two days in Mandi, also denied that the

party high command had plans to remove him. Former BJP president and state finance commission chief Satpal Singh Satti said that AAP’S leaders are liars and people should not pay heed to their statements.

Meanwhile, BJP’S national vice-president and party’s regional in-charge Saudan Singh held a series of meetings at BJP headquarters Deep Kamal in Shimla on Thursday.