New Delhi, January 20
Himachal Vikas Congress leader Sukh Ram today said that his party could have a seat adjustment with either the BJP or the Congress in Himachal Pradesh.
Mr Sukh Ram, who had earlier ruled out any understanding with the BJP, told The Tribune here today that his party had taken note of BJP President Venkaiah Naidu’s recent remarks about the party’s openness for a seat adjustment in Himachal Pradesh. Mr Sukh Ram indicated that he was in touch with state and central leaders of both the BJP and the Congress on the issue of a tie-up.
The HVC leader, who arrived here today, said he would not wait “indefinitely” for any understanding with the Congress. “If no decision is reached within the next three or four days, the HVC will decide its next course of action,” he said.
Mr Sukh Ram refused to comment on the statements by senior Congress leader Virbhadra Singh against having an alliance with the HVC.
HVC sources said the party would seek at least 15 seats in any agreement with the Congress or the BJP. Indicating that the party would seek seats all over the state, they said the HVC was prepared to go on its own if no “honourable” agreement was reached.
During his earlier visit to Delhi, Mr Sukh Ram had met Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Anand Sharma. He is also believed to have met AICC General Secretary Mohsina Kidwai, who is in charge of Himachal Pradesh.
HVC leaders here said the party had won five seats in the last elections and had finished second in 12 seats. They said that the party had formed a third front in Himachal Pradesh which comprised six other parties.
Mr Sukh Ram’s talks with the Congress leadership are likely to resume tomorrow after return of Mrs Kidwai and party treasurer Motilal Vora from Himachal Pradesh.
Despite Mr Virbhadra Singh’s opposition to any alliance with the HVC, the Congress leadership still seems keen to pursue the talks. “We do not want a
division of secular votes in Himachal Pradesh but the agreement would depend on the ground realities,” a CWC member said.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Congress state election committee is likely to be held here on January 22. The meeting of the party’s screening committee, which will recommend names to the apex Congress central election committee, is scheduled for January 25.
