Virbhadra to be new HP CM

Virbhadra Singh will be the new Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh with the CLP unanimously electing him as its leader on Tuesday.

Virbhadra Singh will be the new Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh with the Congress Legislative Party on Tuesday unanimously electing him as its leader.

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Corruption case no hindrance: Cong Congress spokesman S Jaipal Reddy on Tuesday said the corruption case against Virbhadra Singh would not not come in the way of his becoming a contender for the post of Chief Minister in Himachal Pradesh. "He has not not been disqualified. His qualification will depend upon wishes of the legislators." Challan was presented against Virbhadra Singh by the Vigilance on October 22. Singh had dismissed it as "fabricated". • Profile of Virbhadra Singh • Interview with Virbhadra

His name was proposed by state PCC president Vidya Stokes, one of the two front runners for the post.

The name of Singh, three times chief minister, was seconded by Gangu Ram and Rangila Ram Rao.

Congress which has won 40 seats in the 68 member Assembly is set to form the government in the state.

Singh said he would be leaving for Delhi for a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi to discuss the composition of the new ministry.

Mohsina Kidwai, AICC General secretary and in charge of Himachal Pradesh, told reporters after the CLP meeting that Singh's name for the coveted post had Gandhi's approval.