DHARAMSALA: In a strong response to former Chief Minister Shanta Kumar's recent remarks, several key figures from Himachal Pradesh have rallied in defense of Congress candidate Anand Sharma for the Kangra Chamba parliamentary constituency. Agriculture Minister Chandra Kumar, AYUSH Minister Yadvinder Goma, Chief Parliamentary Secretary Kishori Lal, and Ashish Butail issued a joint statement condemning Shanta Kumar's comments as "unfortunate and baseless."
The statement emphasized that a leader of Shanta Kumar's stature should avoid such divisive remarks, especially when the current BJP candidate is a close relative of his, suggesting that familial ties should not cloud political judgment.
The statement highlighted that Anand Sharma has significantly contributed to the region's development through various projects. These include the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Kangra, the Tea Board Regional Office in Palampur, and the establishment of numerous community facilities such as Mahila Mandal Bhawan and Yuva Mandal Bhawan. They argued that Sharma's efforts demonstrate his deep connection to the local community and his capability to represent their interests effectively.
The ministers reiterated Sharma's extensive experience in key central government roles, such as the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which have facilitated substantial development in Himachal Pradesh. They expressed confidence that the electorate would recognize Sharma's contributions and elect him to continue advocating for Kangra Chamba in the Lok Sabha.
Sanjeev Gandhi, a Pradesh Congress Media Panelist also said that this election, according to the ministers, is pivotal for the continued development of Kangra Chamba, and Sharma has both the track record and the vision to lead the constituency towards further growth. The statement concluded with a call for unity and focus on development issues rather than personal