SHIMLA: After resigning from the chairmanship of the "Congress Steering Committee with a heavy heart" on August 21, Senior AICC leader Anand Sharma met Himachal Pradesh Congress committee President Pratibha Singh here today, with Sharma saying that "he would campaign for the party wherever he is required".
Anand Sharma and Pratibha Singh had a meeting at Rajeev Bhawan in the presence of AICC secretary in-charge of state affairs Tajendra Pal Bittu.
Earlier on August 21 in reaction to his resignation, Anand Sharma had said, “I have resigned with a heavy heart from the chairmanship of the steering committee of Congress for Himachal Elections”.
“I am reiterating that I am a lifelong Congressman and remain firm on my convictions”, he added.
He told media group that it is vital that “Nehru-Gandhi family remains integral” as the grand old party requires inclusive and collective thinking”.
Anand Sharma asserted that he was committed to the Congress ideology that runs in his heart, let there be no doubt about this.
“However, given the continuing exclusion and insults, as a self-respecting person, I was left with no choice”, he said.
But Sharma-Pratibha Singh meeting followed by visit of Sharma to Holly Lodge where Shimla rural MLA, Vikramaditya Singh, son of late Virbhadra Singh and Pratibha Singh was also present.
The meeting has come as a new hope for the party amid speculations that Sharma might switch sides ahead of coming state assembly elections.
Anand Sharma may not be strong at the grassroot level, but he is considered to be a "think tank" in the Congress who has in-depth grasp of the political affairs of the country. His exclusion at this juncture can come as a setback for the party.
During this two-hour long meeting of Congress leaders, they discussed the preparations and strategy of the Congress party for the state assembly elections, the sources said.
Sharing detailed information about the party's strategy for the assembly elections to Anand Sharma, Congress President Pratibha Singh said Congress in the state is united and ready for elections.
She said that there is a lot of enthusiasm among the people towards the Congress in the state .
Pratibha Singh urged Anand Sharma to take some time out of his busy schedule for public meetings in the state, which will benefit the Congress.
But it remains to be seen whether Anand Sharma takes back his resignation or continues his displeasure or he would campaign or goes into political exile or joins some other party as speculations fly high in the poll bound state here.
