Himachal CM projects son as political heir, seeks ticket
SHIMLA:Even as the Congress high command is unclear on implementing the ‘one family, one ticket’ formula it adopted in neighbouring Punjab, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh has made a strong pitch for a ticket for his son.
Virbhadra on Tuesday gave a clear signal to Congress workers and activists that his son, state Youth Congress president Vikramaditya Singh from Shimla rural, would contest the forthcoming elections from the home turf — Shimla rural assembly constituency, adjoining capital Shimla.
“He has the energy, the maturity and the wisdom to carry forward responsibilities,” Virbhadra told party workers.
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 the baton,” said Virbhadra, who is consistently pressuring the party high command to oust state party chief Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
A six-time chief minister, Virbhadra sought a 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 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 not yet 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 Sukhu to work on a joint poll strategy.
He only said, “I keep visiting Delhi from time to time. I have been doing it from the time Indira Gandhi led the party.”