Shimla, Oct 25
Making a second-time U- turn former Congress Minister Vijay Singh Mankotia today joined BJP after feeling ignored by Congress in Kangra political circles.
Close Aids of Mankotia informed that he joined BJP on the pretext of being ignored by the grand old party. Worthwhile that, Mankotia had to quit as Çabinet member of Virbhadra Singh Government in 2004 after decision of Supreme court over limited size of council of ministers. He later released a audio CD against former Chief minister Virbhadra Singh in 2007 alleging kick back or bribe for allowing cement plants to some corporate. He however returned into Congress party in 2012 when Virbhadra Singh returned to power after CD case was dismissed by the Special Judge Shimla.
Mankotia joined public life soon after retiring from Army as Major during the leadership of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He also became Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism in 1993. He became MLA for the first time in 1982 to 85, then 1985 to 90, 1990-92, 1993-98 and 2003 -2007.
He also joined Janta Dal and Bahujan Samaj party and contested on BSP ticket in 2007. He is known for love and hate relationship with former chief minister late Virbhadra Singh and considered stalwart of Congress in Kangra district.
Remaining occupied in tweaking sides, Mankotia could not concentrate on his political career. He lost last assembly polls as an Independent candidate as Congress party allocated ticket to Kewal Singh Pathania the former voice chairman of HP forest development corporation. Mankotia has also held the post of Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Ex-servicemen League.
