Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s remark that “Brahmanwad” led to the defeat of his wife from Mandi Parliamentary constituency has been criticised by various leaders here.
The Chief Minister in a public rally in Mandi on Monday said that it was the polarisation of Brahmin votes in favour of the BJP that led to the defeat of Congress candidate Pratibha Singh by a huge margin. He also hinted at former senior Congressman Sukhram, a Brahmin, working against his wife. He said the BJP candidate Ramswarup Sharma was not even fit to become a Panchayat Pradhan.
Former Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal said the Chief Minister was indulging in caste politics. He also asked the Chief Minister to give reasons for the defeat of Congress candidates in three other Parliamentary constituencies. Even in his own Assembly segment of Shimla Rural Mr. Singh could not secure a lead for his party candidate, said Mr. Dhumal.
State BJP president Satpal Satti said the Chief Minister should not indulge in irresponsible statements. The CPI (M), the Himachal Lokhit Party and the Aam Aadmi Party leaders have also criticised the remarks of the Chief Minister.
