Virbhadra Singh
Shimla:
After wresting control from the BJP, the clamour for the top job has already begun within the congress. The Congress legislative party in Himachal Pradesh will meet at 5 pm in Shimla to decide on who will be the party's chief ministerial candidate. Central observers Sheila Dikshit, Janardhan Dwivedi and Choudhry Birender Singh will take the opinions of all the elected Congress MLAs.
The man who many believe single-handedly led the congress to a victory in Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh, is among the top contenders for the post of chief minister. But his detractors within the party are also eyeing the same post hoping allegations of corruption against him may help their chances.
Another concern for Virbhadra Singh could be that as many as 7 candidates considered close to him have lost these elections.
Among the other contenders is Kaul Singh, who was replaced by Virbhadra as the state president just weeks before campaigning started in the state and G S Bali, the MLA from Nagrota- both of whom are believed to be close to Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
Speaking to media persons Vidya Stokes, senior Congress leader elected from Theog said, "I was never in the race for CM earlier, neither am I now. I will follow what the party high command decides."
Anees Ahmed, Congress leader who is also co-in charge of Himachal Pradesh told NDTV, "There's nothing wrong with having many aspirants for the top job. So many people have worked hard to get us these results, they may feel that they can lead the party as CM. The final decision rests with the Congress high command."
Even for the high command it's not an easy decision. Between the many different factions within the party, it has to do a tightrope walk to ensure its decision does not spark rebellion in the state affecting its chances in the general elections that are just two years away.
The man who many believe single-handedly led the congress to a victory in Himachal Pradesh, Virbhadra Singh, is among the top contenders for the post of chief minister. But his detractors within the party are also eyeing the same post hoping allegations of corruption against him may help their chances.
Another concern for Virbhadra Singh could be that as many as 7 candidates considered close to him have lost these elections.
Among the other contenders is Kaul Singh, who was replaced by Virbhadra as the state president just weeks before campaigning started in the state and G S Bali, the MLA from Nagrota- both of whom are believed to be close to Commerce Minister Anand Sharma.
Speaking to media persons Vidya Stokes, senior Congress leader elected from Theog said, "I was never in the race for CM earlier, neither am I now. I will follow what the party high command decides."
Anees Ahmed, Congress leader who is also co-in charge of Himachal Pradesh told NDTV, "There's nothing wrong with having many aspirants for the top job. So many people have worked hard to get us these results, they may feel that they can lead the party as CM. The final decision rests with the Congress high command."
Even for the high command it's not an easy decision. Between the many different factions within the party, it has to do a tightrope walk to ensure its decision does not spark rebellion in the state affecting its chances in the general elections that are just two years away.
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