‘I Wish To See Anil Sharma As CM In Future’
Credited with bringing about a telecommunication revolution in the country, veteran Congress leader and former Union minister Sukhram feels that every unemployed youth of the state should get employment. Sukhram had formed Himachal Vikas Congress party in Himachal after he was ousted from the Congress. Sukhram led HVC supported the Dhumal government for five years before he merged his party with the Congress. Himachal This Week’s Sanjay Awasthi and Aman Agnihotri talked to veteran Congress leader Sukhram on various political issues confronting Himachal. Following are the excerpts of the interview…
HTW: Do you endorse Chief Minister Virbhadra’s son Vikramaditya’s claim for a Congress ticket to contest assembly elections?
Sukhram: It is not wrong if one intends to join the politics for social service. Those entering politics should have the right thinking. Vikramaditya should get ticket. At the peak of my political career, I faltered in not inducting Anil Sharma in politics. This is the reason why Anil Sharma wants to bring his son in politics at the right time.
HTW: What is your viewpoint on dynasty politics?
Sukhram: One should get a chance if he is having potential as nobody can ignore capable persons in the name of dynasty politics. After all, people decide one’s political future and those fulfilling their aspirations will win. I have never promoted dynasty politics. I handed over the legacy to a Thakur when I shifted to the Central politics.
HTW: Why leaders from Mandi district fail to reach the top post of chief minister?
Sukhram: Elected MLAs and not the people chose the chief minister. It is not true that leaders from Mandi are not capable of becoming chief minister. But how can one become a chief minister when all MLAs don’t unite and some of them change loyalties.
HTW: What future do you foresee for the Congress under prevailing circumstances?
Sukhram: I have remained a minister for 11 years in the Centre and have not seen better people than Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. As good people are not conversant with political maneuvers, many people cheat them. However, the country will soon come out of Modi’s betrayal and the Congress will regain its lost glory.
HTW: You are not satisfied even as your son Anil Sharma was in the Cabinet.
Sukhram: Anil Sharma’s name was in the list but was struck down because of me. It was at the intervention of Sonia Gandhi that he was inducted in the Cabinet. Anil doesn’t have even a single corruption charge against him and holds command in the area.
HTW: Whom would you like to see as Congress chief minister in future?
Sukhram: Chief Minister should be honest, deliver justice and listen to people besides not upsetting anybody. (On being pressed for chief minister’s name, Sukhram said) Anil Sharma has all these qualities and I wish to see Anil Sharma as chief minister in future. It is my and a father’s wish.
HTW: You faced corruption charges. And now Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is also facing similar case. How would you analyse both the situations?
Sukhram: Can anyone imagine how much property do I have out of Mandi even as I remained minister for long time in the state and the Centre? Recovery of money from my house was a conspiracy. The CBI looked for my properties in the entire country but could locate only one house each in Delhi, Mandi and Kotli besides an orchard. The CBI had to cancel its one FIR. My case is in the Supreme Court. I have urged the court and my lawyers for quick hearings as I want to do something for my state.
HTW: Will party’s Mission Repeat face threat from intra-party wranglings?
Sukhram: Differences, if any should be sorted out. It is duty of the Chief Minister and organisation to take along all.
HTW: You formed Himachal Vikas Congress party and supported Dhumal government for five years. Will Himachal have any third front again?
Sukhram: Those who threaten can’t float any party. It is easy to form a party but very difficult to run it by winning people’s faith. People had faith in me when I formed the HVC and they still believe me. It is impossible to form a party and run it under present circumstances in Himachal.
HTW: How would you analyse Rahul Gandhi’s Mandi rally?
Sukhram: This rally instilled enthusiasm among workers besides giving direction to the Congress. Rahul Gandhi was able to unite all.
HTW: How safe is your political legacy?
Sukhram : I am proud of Anil Sharma who remains busy in serving people. Now my grand son Ashray is also following the same path and has started fulfilling responsibilities at a young age.
HTW: Will Himachal government repeat?
Sukhram : Definitely. It will repeat provided Virbhadra Singh marches ahead by talking all party men along.
HTW: How do you see your political journey in Congress party? Do you have any regrets?
Sukhram : I am proud to be a Congress man as the party was instrumental in getting freedom for the country. I don’t have any regrets even when I was ousted from the Congress. I am not among those who threaten to quit the party. I formed a new party rather than joining any other political party when I was ousted from the Congress. I named my party as ‘Himachal Vikas Congress’ in the name of Congress. And later I merged it too with the Congress.
“Where are Employment Opportunities?”
“Himachal has become an educational hub but where are employment opportunities for educated youths. Himachal has been bestowed with immense natural resources but nobody could utilise it for creating employment opportunities. Leaders don’t have time to think about employment.”
‘HVC Could Have Supported Congress in 1998…’
“Himachal Vikas Congress could have supported Congress party had it changed the leadership in 1998. It didn’t happen and I had to side with Prem Kumar Dhumal. Had I not supported the BJP, Dhumal would not have risen to such great height.”
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