SHIMLA: Himachal PCC Chief and Rajya Sabha Member Viplov Thakur has supported Major Vijai Singh Mankotia in his against corruption prevailing at high places in the State. She has also supported launching of new cap "Tirangini" by Major Mankotia last week on Himachal Day in Kangra saying it symbolizes the `fight against the wrong and immoral' and would unite the people of Himachal Pradesh.

She repeated Mankotia's stance on exposing corruption and the unholy nexus of corrupt politicians-bureaucrats-power brokers at all levels. "Anybody wearing this cap would fight the battle against injustice, dishonesty and corruption," she said.

The State Congress factionalism has reached at its pinnacle after Mr. Mankotia airing his views in public regarding corrupt practices by `some people at the very top and an unabated political patronage given to these people'.

Major Mankotia who is touring the lower districts of state these days has been levelling serious allegations against the Virbhadra Singh Government of nepotism and bias against the people of the lower or merged areas of the State. Addressing ex-servicemen in various places in Kangra, Mankotia said he had raised the issue of one rank and one pension at every level. He said that there was a need of Himachali Regiment in the Indian Army as the soldiers from the hill state were well-known for their bravery and valour.

The former Tourism Minister also called the introduction of his new cap a symbol of identity for the people from lower areas and of struggle against corrupt people in authority. He said the name `Tirangini' has been derived from Trigarta, the historic name given for Kangra.

Political observers here are calling the launch a challenge to the dominance of old or upper areas in the State politics. This might unite the people of the lower areas and confront the supremacy of "green caps" donned by the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his supporters, they added.

Wearing a Virbhadra style green cap in the political circles and state bureaucracy is considered a signal of one's proximity and loyalty to the Chief Minster.

Irritated by this `green cap politics' (mainly representing Shimla district) the BJP politicians had started wearing red or multi-coloured Kullu cap.

Meanwhile, private secretary of the Chief Minister has been given permission by the CM's office, after absolving him of charges, to file a defamation case against the former Tourism Minister. Mr. Singh has also reportedly written to the AICC president against indiscipline by some Congressmen including the PCC chief Viplov Thakur and Major Mankotia.

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