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Our victory to give new direction to Indian politics: Shanta
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran leader and new Kangra MP Shanta Kumar, who won by a record margin of over 1.70 lakh votes, termed the party’s landslide victory as a new beginning in the Indian politics.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran leader and new Kangra MP Shanta Kumar, who won by a record margin of over 1.70 lakh votes, termed the party’s landslide victory as a new beginning in the Indian politics.
“BJP’s victory marks a new beginning in the Indian politics. People wanted change for a transparent and strong government,” said Shanta, while addressing a press conference after the result for Kangra seat was declared.
“The poll outcome is an outburst against the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s misrule and corruption,” said Shanta, adding that it was happening for the first time after 1984 that any party got an absolute majority.
He, however, said the party’s victory had brought along new challenges. “People have entrusted faith in the BJP and we will have to live up to their expectations,” said Shanta. Expressing gratitude towards the electors of the country and Himachal as well, Shanta said the poll outcome had broken the myth that people of Himachal vote in favour of the party ruling the state.
He termed the party candidate Ram Swaroop Sharma’s victory from Mandi parliamentary seat as historic. Sharma defeated chief minister Virbhadra Singh’s wife Pratibha Singh. “Congress was considering the Mandi a safe seat. Defeat Pratibha Singh clearly reflects the mood of electors — feudalism has no place in democracy,” said Shanta.
Shanta said chief minister Virbhadra Singh’s popularity seems to have faded as the Congress also lost the Shimla seat. “People have shown that they are the real power of democracy,” said Shanta.
When asked whether Virbhadra government would be “pulled down” after formation of the BJP government at the Centre, Shanta replied in the neagative.
“However, Congress government will fall under its own weight,” he added. On whether BJP will seek resignation of chief minister Virbhadra Singh, Shanta said he had already demanded chief minister to step down as he was facing serious allegations of corruption. “Now people have also given him a message that his time is over,” said Shanta.
