HimVani
Shimla: The Bharatiya Janata Party unit in Himachal Pradesh appears to be heading for turbulent times with Khimi Ram getting clearance for another term as state president from BJP national president Nitin Gadkari, despite stiff opposition from the Shanta Kumar camp.
It is reliably known that Shanta Kumar was adamant on not giving Khimi Ram a second term, citing various lapses during his earlier stint. The latter is also reported to have met him to seek support. The election to choose the president, slated for January 30, was called off two days before the poll due to lack of consensus between Shanta Kumar and CM PK Dhumal, and thereafter it was left for the national leadership to decide the matter. After the national leadership chose Dhumal for the chief minister’s post, this is the first time Shanta has locked horns with him openly.
Another important development is that Gadkari is said to be keen on inducting cabinet minister JP Nadda, who was also in the race for the post, in his national team. Though his candidature was supported by Shanta, a new role for him in national politics may not be in his interests as well.
