‘Virbhadra can’t tolerate leaders who work for party’

It is Virbhadra Singh’s habit to criticise and oppose leaders who work for party’s development and its welfare.

SUKHWINDER SINGH SUKHU, former Himachal Congress chief

SHIMLA:THREE days after All India Congress president Rahul Gandhi handed over reins of party’s state unit to Kuldeep Singh Rathore, the brewing discord in the Congress has intensified.

Former state party chief Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday launched an offensive against former chief minister Virbhadra Singh saying that the octogenarian leader has always put himself above the party and cannot tolerate leaders who work for its welfare. Sukhu on Sunday critisised Virbhadra Singh’s remarks in which he termed the appointments made by the former chief during his tenure as “trash”.

“It is derogatory on part of Virbhadra Singh to term partymen as garbage. Would you term senior leaders like Chandre Kumar , Gangu Ram Musafir , Harsh Mahajan, Chander Kumar, Ajay Mahajan and Ravi Thakur appointed in the state as garbage,” Sukhu said.

The former leader asserted that he always focussed on strengthening the overall party and not worked in favour of a particular person .

“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 has lately been critical about former party chiefs, including Sat Mahajan, Vidya Stokes, Viplove Thakur and Kaul Singh Thakur, as well,” Sukhu said.

He further added, “Virbhadra Singh is opposing me because I worked for party’s welfare with devotion and dedication. As party’s president, I gave presence to youth in various blocks, districts and state body. During my tenure, the party expanded by leaps and bounds unlike in the past when only a particular persons’ interests were strengthened,” former chief said.