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Sahib Singh vows to campaign day and night for BJP

Deposed Delhi chief minister Sahib Singh Verma today said his removal would not mar the Bharatiya Janata Party's prospects in the November 25 assembly elections.

''I would campaign day and night for the party's victory,'' Sahib Singh told reporters at his residence in the capital today.

Referring to the virtual revolt by his supporters, mainly belonging to the Jat community over his replacement, he said it was only an instant, emotional reaction.

''I am a disciplined Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker and a soldier of the BJP, and will continue to work for the party whether I get a cabinet post at the Centre or not,'' he said.

Asked whether he was consulted by Chief Minister Sushma Swaraj on the ministry formation, he replied in the affirmative. He, however, told her that as chief minister it was her prerogative to have a ministry of her choice and as such he had nothing to suggest.

On the Lok Dal's threat to withdraw support to the BJP-led government at the Centre, Sahib Singh said he would try to convince INLD leader Om Prakash Chautala against taking any drastic step.

Sahib Singh, who surrendered his official residence and car within hours of demitting office yesterday and travelled by bus to his low income group flat at Outer Delhi, was today presented with two cars by resident associations of his assembly constituency, Shalimar Bagh.

Thanking party workers and leaders who stood beside him at the time of his removal, he however took exception to his being branded a mere Jat leader.

He said as chief minister he never worked for any particular section of society. He had only shifted the focus of development from urban to rural areas of the city which was necessary for checking the influx of people into the heart of Delhi.

Meanwhile, the BJP ministry in Delhi, headed by Sushma Swaraj, was today expanded with the induction of six ministers.

But for the omission of Rajendra Gupta, who had held the transport and excise departments, and the induction of Devender Singh, swaraj has retained the cabinet headed by Sahib Singh Verma.

The six ministers were sworn in by Lt Governor Vijay Kapoor.

Among those who attended the swearing-in ceremony were Sahib Singh, BJP president Kushabhau Thakre, party vice president K L Sharma, and BJP Delhi unit president Mange Ram Garg

UNI

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