Virbhadra projects son as political heir
SHIMLA: Even as Congress high command is unclear on implementing the ‘One family one ticket formulae’ it adopted in neighbouring Punjab, chief minister Virbhadra Singh has made a strong pitch for a ticket for his son, state Youth Congress president Vikramaditya Singh from Shimla rural.
Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday gave a clear signal to Congress workers and activists that his son Vikramaditya Singh would contest forthcoming elections from its home turf- Shimla rural assembly constituency, adjoining capital Shimla.
“He has the energy, the maturity and the wisdom to carry forward responsibilities,” Virbhadra Singh told party workers from his assembly segment at a convention at government-run Hotel Peterhoff.
During his brief speech, he also highlighted his political career spanning over 50 years.
“I entered the political arena, when I was 25. After reaching a certain age one should take rest and youth should take over baton,” said Singh, who is consistently pressuring the party high command to oust state party chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
A six-time chief minister, Singh is seeking free hand in elections and made a covert attack on his detractors
“I can still challenge any youth to work harder than me,” he declared, describing his son Vikramaditya as a young man capable enough to bear responsibilities.
Scotching speculation that he was contemplating switching allegiance from the Congress, he said, “I am a Congressman to the core and will remain in the Congress party throughout my life. I am dedicated to their ideology.”
“I have an invitation to contest elections from different constituencies. I have yet not made up my mind,” he said.
“I will seek a ticket for my son and talk to party high command,” he added, refusing to entertain questions on his being called to New Delhi by the party high command with party state president Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to work on joint poll strategy. He only said, “I keep visiting Delhi from time to time I have been doing that from time when Indira Gandhi led the party.”
SAYS THERE IS NO RIFT IN CONG STATE UNIT
Virbhadra guardedly replied to queries on the party’s plans for transitional changes in the organisation.
“The final decision lies with party high command,” he said, also underplaying the infighting in the Congress, saying that there was no rift in the party.
In his address, Vikramaditya highlighted progress and development issues carried by his father in Shimla rural. “I know the Shimla rural constituency better than other leaders. I have walked the length and the breath of Shimla rural. I am aware of the work done. My father has done a lot of work,” he said.