Monday, 26 November , 2007, 14:53
Last Updated: Monday, 26 November , 2007, 14:54
Shimla: While Himachal Pradesh Housing Minister Harsh Mahajan has decided not to contest the forthcoming assembly elections, state Civil Supplies and Horticulture Minister Singhi Ram has been left out of the race with the ruling Congress party deciding not to give him a ticket.
The list of 65 Congress candidates who will fight the December 19 assembly polls was announced by the party high command late Sunday and does not include either Mahajan or Singhi Ram.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi last week summoned five-time legislator Mahajan, who has cited personal for not contesting the election, and asked him to change his mind. However, she finally accepted his decision.
The decision is seen as a setback to the Congress as Mahajan is believed to be a strong and shrewd politician who has never lost an assembly election. He has been elected five times from the Chamba seat.
Mahajan, 53, is seen as one of the most important second-generation Congress leaders in the State.
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