BJP on back foot in Himachal, says son of CM Virbhadra Singh

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India] Nov. 1 (ANI): Vikramaditya Singh, son of Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, on Wednesday, said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is on the back foot in the state.

Vikramaditya is making debut in electoral politics as he has been fielded by the Congress from his father's constituency in the state assembly elections, slated to be held on November 9.

Talking to ANI, he said that the BJP's declaration of its chief minister candidate shows its desperation.

BJP President Amit Shah on Tuesday announced former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition in Himachal Assembly Prem Kumar Dhumal as party's CM candidate.

Reacting on the announcement of Dhumal as the BJP's chief ministerial candidature, Vikramaditya said, "Till yesterday, the BJP leaders were saying that they didn't want a face in the state as they were banking upon the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but when they realized that the Congress party has an edge over many issues, especially, Goods and Services Tax (GST) and demonetisation then they have announced name of Dhumal so that after the defeat he should be made scapegoat. This shows that the BJP is on the back foot in Himachal Pradesh."

He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi's seven election rallies in a small state like Himachal Pradesh shows that there is a discomfort in the BJP camp over the popularity of Virbhadra Singh in the state.

The young leader also said that participation of youth in democratic system is good.

"Congress has ensured enough participation of youth in these elections and it will yield good results for the state in future," Vikramditya said.

Results of the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly will be declared on December 18. (ANI)