HP Crisis

Nov.29, 2000

 

HP crisis: Sangh Parivar intervenes
From S.P. Sharma and Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Nov 28 — The prospects of resolution of the political crisis facing the Dhumal government, in the wake of revolt by six legislators, brightened today following talks between the Chief Minister, Mr P.K. Dhumal, and the dissidents at the initiative of the Sangh Parivar.

The dissidents, who were earlier reluctant to meet Mr Dhumal after having expressed loss of trust in him, relented when senior Sangh functionaries intervened to help iron out differences between the two camps.

The dissidents held a prolonged meeting with two senior functionaries of the RSS during which their grievances were discussed at length. The RSS leaders underlined the need to restore confidence in the rival faction.

There were a series of meetings between the two factions. The Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee and Home Minister L.K. Advani were reportedly in touch with Mr Dhumal and Union Minister Shanta Kumar.

Mr Shanta Kumar is learnt to have talked to the dissidents on the issue.

Mr Dhumal told mediapersons that things were moving in the "positive" direction and the matter would be sorted out in a day or two.

Both factions appeared in a reconciliatory mood today. Mr Dhumal parried any mention of disciplinary action against the dissidents even when specifically asked by mediapersons.

The dissidents although firm and united, were also hopeful of a solution. They said they had insisted that the issues raised by them be addressed in the right earnest. The process had began, they claimed.

When contacted, the Transport Minister, Mr K.K. Kapoor, refused to divulge any details and said talks were being held through intermediaries.

Two ministers, Mr Mohinder Singh and Mr Ravinder Ravi, reportedly contacted Mrs Nirmala Devi, one of the six rebels, and tried to persuade her to shift stance. However, she refused to oblige.

Later, in a show of solidarity, the dissidents along with their supporters had a stroll on The Mall and lunch at a restaurant at The Ridge amidst rumours that Mrs Nirmala Devi had deserted them.

None of the three ministers, Mr K.K. Kapoor, Mr Ramesh Chand and Mr Hari Narain Singh, who had signed the letter expressing their inability to support Mr Dhumal, attended the Cabinet meeting today. However, Mr Dhumal told mediapersons that they were busy "elsewhere".

During the day, the rebels remained closeted in the Vidhan Sabha flat of Mr Dulo Ram to discuss their future strategy.

Mr Dhumal told mediapersons that Mr Des Raj, one of the signatories to the letter, had talked to the BJP President, Mr Bangaru Laxman, on the telephone last evening and told him that the misunderstanding between him and the Rajya Sabha member, Mr Kirpal Parmar, had been removed.

Mr Dhumal refused to comment whether the rebel ministers should have resigned before firing the salvo against him.

He said he had an open mind on the grievances listed by the dissidents and some vested interests were trying to escalate the crisis.

He said Mr Shanta Kumar had told him that he was not supporting the dissidence. Mr Dhumal made it clear that his government was not in danger due to the development as the dissidents had said that they had raised their voice "within the party."

He said several Congress leaders had talked to him on the phone and told him that they wanted his government to stay and it was only one leader among them who was trying to create instability. His indication was obviously towards Mr Virbhadra Singh.

To a question on the allegations being traded by the PWD Minister, Mr Mohinder Singh, and the Town and Country Planning Minister, Mr Hari Narain Singh, the Chief Minister said the Lokayukata was the right forum for the purpose.

Crisis resolved: CM
Tribune News Service

SHIMLA, Nov 28 — The Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, said after the talks with dissidents that all issues had been settled, but refused to divulge the details.

He said, "You will come to know about the details as things will unfold in the next few days."

He claimed that everything would be normal shortly.