Congress grapples with Virbhadra dilemma in HP

NEW DELHI: Congress is on the horns of a dilemma over Himachal Pradesh chief minister Virbhadra Singh, realising that the phase after his interrogation by the Enforcement Directorate over alleged corruption could test the party in the run-up to the crucial assembly election campaign.

It is unclear how the issue will unfold in the coming days as Singh’s arrest during another interrogation remains a possibility and subject of much speculation in the party and outside.

But even if Singh stays out, Congress faces the challenge of dealing with BJP’s high-voltage campaign over the alleged graft case. State elections are scheduled for November.


Saddled with anti-incumbency in a state which does not return the ruling party to power, the graft case against the CM is likely to compound the challenge for Congress which is yet to defeat BJP in an election post-2014.

Congress sources said the leadership has decided to “strongly back” Singh who has dubbed the charges against him as saffron “vendetta”.

“Also, the party will give the CM enough time to defend himself. But if he is not able to rebuff the charges in public perception, the leadership will look at options,” a key office-bearer said.

However, it is acknowledged that replacing a “domineering” Singh is very difficult. In 2012, Singh decided to quit Congress after being denied the reins of the state unit which would make him the CM face. His looming exit forced the reluctant leadership to give in to his demand. Congress defeated BJP in the elections and had to crown Singh the CM.

Now, it is believed the only way out may be to persuade Singh to give up if the situation turns unmanageable.

While the younger Congress leadership is of the view that the party cannot be seen as compromising on corruption, some senior leaders are learnt to have warned that conceding in the battle of wits will embolden the BJP in its “politics of vendetta”.

It is not clear how the case will unfold. In case of Singh’s arrest, Congress is said to be ready with “a contingency plan”. While it will necessitate a replacement for the CM’s post, Congress will portray the graft case as “vendetta” and campaign likewise to generate sympathy for the party. However, there are also worries about the imposition of central rule in case of arrest.