M A I N   N E W S

Himachal crisis blows over
Dhumal, rebels sink differences
From Rakesh Lohumi
Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 27
The four-week-old political crisis facing the Dhumal ministry blew over following an accord between the rebels and the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Kumar Dhumal, late last night.

While the dissidents and Mr Dhumal refused to divulge the details of the agreement, it is learnt that most of the irritants which led to the revolt by four ministers and three legislators, were ironed out during the marathon meeting with in RSS leaders Mr Chet Ram and Mr Prem Kumar. Besides the seven rebels, Mr Maheshwar Singh and Mr Suresh Chandel, both MPs who did the groundwork for direct talks between Mr Dhumal and the dissidents and Mr Jaikrishan Sharma, state party chief were also present at the meeting.

As per the accord a status quo, on February 27 before the revolt, will be maintained which meant that the four sacked ministers, Mr Rajan Sushant, Mr Krishan Kapoor, Mr Ramesh Dhwala and Mr Harinarayan Singh will be re-inducted into the ministry. The swearing-in ceremony is likely to take place over the next couple of days. Mr Dhumal indirectly gave a hint regarding this by saying that the rebels had expressed faith in his leadership after talks and their goodwill gesture would be reciprocated.

It was also agreed that the state executive committee would be further expanded to restore factional balance and three Shanta loyalists Mr Mohinder Sofat, Mr Jagat Singh Negi and Mr Shiv Kumar, will be inducted. Mr Sofat’s inclusion will be most significant as the factional fight between the Dhumal and Shanta camps was triggered off after he was denied ticket for the Solan Assembly byelection. Subsequently, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against him. His inclusion in the state executive will thus remove an important irritant which brought the party on the verge of a split.

While the demand of the rebels for the removal of Mr Kripal Parmar as general secretary of party was turned down, it was agreed that the Rajya Sabha MP will disburse funds placed at his disposal under the Local Area Development Fund only on the recommendations of the legislators, particularly in the Gangath constituency, Mr Parmar, a staunch Dhumal loyalist, had been a thorn in the flesh of the Rebels who accused him of allocating funds in their respective constituencies at the instance of Congress leaders to undermining their position. Mr Parmar would not handle organisation matters pertaining to Kangra district.

The dissidents were assured that leaders like Mr Sunil Minocha, Mr Manoj Dhiman, Mr Lakhwinder Rana and Mr Gurusharan Singh, who were creating problems in their respective constituencies would be reined in.

The appointment of Ms Indu Goswami, chairperson of state’s women commission as chairperson of state Social Welfare Board was also discussed. Mr Dulo Ram, one of the rebels was opposed to the appointment of Ms Goswami, his arch rival. It was decided at the meeting that senior party leader would persuade her to give up her new assignment and instead continue as chairperson of the commission.

The balancing of the pradesh election committee and disciplinary committee were also discussed and it was decided that more names would be added only if required.

Significantly, the dissidents did not withdraw the letter in which they had levelled serious allegation of corruption and favouritism against the government. It is learnt that Mr Dhumal had, during talks, assured that an inquiry would be ordered if specific cases were brought to his notice.

The rebels agreed to give up the demand for a change in leadership at the instance of the Sangh Parivar. Mr Madan Das Devi, a senior RSS leader from Delhi who looks after the political affairs, played an important role. Mr Das, who visited the state capital in connection with a function of the ABVP, held separate meetings with Mr Dhumal and the dissidents to pave way for the final agreement.

The dissidents, who were adamant on the removal of Mr Nirander Modi as in charge of the party affairs in Himachal Pradesh. Parried all question about the fate of the demand and maintained that they had apprised the high command of the reasons behind it. The matter had been left to the high command.

Obviously, the dissidents were not pressing the demand anymore as the changed scenario at the national level, with Mr K. Jena Krishanmurthi replacing Mr Bangaru Laxman, a new team to look after the organisational matters will be in place soon. As such a change in central leaders looking after the party affairs in various states was very much on the cards.

For now a settlement has been reached but much will depend on the future conduct of the two camps. The accord will have to be implemented in the right earnest for lasting peace.