I will not contest: Verma

NEW DELHI, October 11: The official resignation letter of Sahib Singh Verma was sent to the Lieutenant Governor Vijai Kapoor this morning...

NEW DELHI, October 11: The official resignation letter of Sahib Singh Verma was sent to the Lieutenant Governor Vijai Kapoor this morning. Having finished with the official “relieve me of my duties” details, Verma said that he would not contest the assembly elections scheduled for November 25. “There is no question of me running for any post in the coming elections,” Verma said. “However, whatever the party decides will be final”.

Verma also said that he had asked all the 15 MLAs and 35 councillors who said that they would also resign, not to do so. “No MLA will resign. I have told everyone to respect the party decision”.

Reiterating that he had not anticipated the move, Verma said that he was being blamed for things that were not under his control. “There has been a lot of talk about the prices and law and order — things which do not concern the Delhi government as such. Obviously, going by the party decision, it looks like it must have been my fault and they are trying to bring in a better person. On my part, I will try to remedy my mistakes”.

He also clarified that he was not very keen on a berth at the Centre. “Being a cabinet minister does not make any difference to me. I did not ask for it. I will just go by the party decision at this point of time”.