Ex Minister Mankotia is in a habit of making false and unfounded allegations against CM: Ministers

Dharamshala, July 7, 2017: Forest Minister Thakur Singh Bharmouri and Excise and Taxation Minister Prakash Chaudhary have strongly condemned ex-Minister and strong political personality Vijay Singh Mankotia for issuing baseless statements against Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. In a press release issued here today both the HP Ministers said, “Mankotia’s statement indicates desperation of a person who has been repeatedly dejected by the people.”

In this joint statement, they said, "Mankotia is in a habit of making false and unfounded allegations against the Government and the Chief Minister whenever the elections are round the corner. It seems once again he is playing in the hands of BJP and trying to mislead the people by spreading all sort of lies.”

They said after enjoying the benefits of power, now he always speak against the Chief Minister and government which amply speaks of double standards. Before seeking resignation of Virbhadra Singh, he should have considered popularity and mandate given by the people to the Chief Minister. The claim of Mankotia is ridiculous that 80 percent people want resignation of Virbhadra Singh. Perhaps he is issuing such malicious statements just to please the BJP leaders.

Earlier, on Thursday, in a sudden move, the Himachal Pradesh government removed veteran Congress leader and former minister Vijay Singh Mankotia from the post of vice chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Board.

A five-time MLA and twice minister in governments headed by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, Mankotia had lost the elections in 2012 and was later appointed vice chairman of the state tourism board.

Five times former MLA, ex Minister and ex -Vice Chairman of Tourism Development Board of Himachal, Major Vijai Singh Mankotia was once considered a potential chief ministerial candidate from Kangra district. A strong crusader against corruption and a politician with a vision, Mankotia’s political journey ruined his prospects after he was expelled from the Congress on two occasions.

VS Mankotia joined politics after serving for 16 years in the army and fought three wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971. As party gave me ticket in 1982 , he won as independent candidate. Thereafter, he won four elections continuously till 1998 and then again in 2003. He fought elections from other parties when he was expelled from the Congress party, in 1990 from Janata Dal led by former Prime Minister V.P. Singh and again in 2007 from BSP led by Mayawati. Without disclosing their names, the Political pandits of the state believe that smelling the latest trend, now Mankotia may join BJP.