This is not the first time that BJP has not projected CM candidate: Dhumal

DHARAMSHALA: Leader of opposition and former Chief Minister Prof. PK Dhumal on Friday said that rumors are being spread through social media about the Chief Ministerial face for upcoming elections that party has not decided the same. He said that it was not for the first time, in 1998 and 2007 also the decision was taken in last minutes.
Though, national president of the BJP Amit Shah during his Palampur tour this year in May has clearly stated that party has not decided the face while Dhumal was also sitting on the stage.There were apprehensions that BJP might fight elections on the lines of Uttar Pradesh and announce the CM later. But responding to the queries of media persons in Badsar area of Hamirpur district after a public function, Dhumal said that during 1998 elections the face was given just four days before.
“Even in 2007 the face was decided after the list of 60 candidates was finalized for the elections. This is not the first time and party will decide the face at right time” he said adding that party will issue the list of candidates at the earliest so that they could do the field work in time.
In Himachal Pradesh elections are due within months. It is a big issue over the party face for CM post in assembly elections. Rumors are there that Union Health Minister JP Nadda would be the face of this post in place of Dhumal.
While the supporters of the Dhumal camp have expressed their resistance at various levels, the workers in the party across the state are confused over the leadership. Aspirants of the BJP tickets in elections are trying to make a balance with both Dhumal and Nadda as it is not clear that to who party will announce as Chief Ministerial face.