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Sukh Ram rules out crisis in HP ministry over ministers' resignation

Former Union communication minister and Himachal Vikas Congress chief Sukh Ram has ruled out withdrawal of his party's support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-HVC coalition government in the state in the wake of three of his party's ministers submitting their resignation to him.

Talking to the media, the HVC chief said he would not create a situation of uncertainty in the state.

"The main consideration for submission of resignations by the ministers Mohinder Singh, Mansa Ram and Lrajash Choudhary was to give proof of solidarity in the party, besides expressing resentment over the party leaders and workers being ignored by the government," he said. A proper representation had not been given to the HVC by the Prem Kumar Dhumal government while nominating chairmen, vice chairmen and members on various boards and corporations, he claimed.

Sukh Ram said the coalition government was a first such experiment in the state and added that consultation between alliance partners was 'very important'. "I had time and again stressed on formation of a coordination committee for running of the government, if such a committee had been set up, there could be no opportunity for us (HVC) to feel ignored," he said.

In reply to a question, Sukh Ram said his party enjoyed the support of the people and was recognised by the Election Commission. "As such, there was no question of our merger either with the Congress or the BJP," he added.

UNI

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