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HP CM's wife files papers
Himachal Pradesh CM VB Singh's wife Pratibha Singh filed her nomination as Congress candidate from Mandi parliamentary seat.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister VB Singh's wife Pratibha Singh on Saturday filed her nomination as Congress candidate from Mandi parliamentary constituency.
Accompanied by her husband, former Union minister Sukhram who recently merged his Himachal Vikas Congress with the party, HPCC president Vidya Stokes and some state ministers, she reached the office of the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the returning officer, and filed her papers.
Addressing a public meeting later, the Chief Minister said he had no intention to push his wife into politics "but the circumstances took such a turn that she had no alternative but to fight the elections".
He claimed the achievements of his 14-month government were much more than that of the five years of BJP rule.
Attacking the NDA government, he alleged its policies resulted in increasing the gap between the rich and the poor.
On the merger of HVC with Congress, he said it was beneficial for both the parties. "We should forget the past and rejoice the reunion after eight years", Singh said.
Sukhram also addressed the meeting and said he suffered "worst humiliation" during the BJP rule.
He claimed he was responsible for formation of BJP government in the state but it conspired to break his party.
Singh denied he was only concerned about his son Anil Sharma's political career saying he was concerned about development and wanted him to complete the unaccomplished tasks.
He said Vajpayee might be a tall leader but Congress president Sonia Gandhi inherited the legacy of Nehru-Gandhi family and leaders like Indira Gandhi.
