DHARAMSHALA, MAY 24 : Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday called on the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama at his palace I. McLeodganj Dharamshala and sought his blessings from him for success in Lok Sabha and six assemblies by-polls in the state.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu after meeting the noble laureate the Dalai Lama said the Tibetan Spiritual leader praised Himachal Pradesh for its natural beauty and attitude of the people of the state. He said the Dalai Lama described Himachal as a very beautiful state and said India is a very beautiful country that has a vibrant culture that respects all religions.

Chief Minister Sukhu was accompanied by the Congress candidate from Dharamshala Jaggi during the meeting.

The Tibetan spiritual leader has always received huge attention from people of political backgrounds. Earlier in April, BJP candidate from Mandi Lok Sabha constituency Kangana Ranaut met the Dalai Lama and sought his blessings.

China considers the Dalai Lama, who has been living in exile in India for decades since 1959, a separatist who wants allegedly to split the formerly independent region Tibet from China’s control. In the 1950s, Chinese forces invaded and occupied Tibet on the pretext that it had always been a part of China. Dharamshala is the seat of the Tibetan Govt in Exile and Dalai Lama has been staying here for the last 65 years.(UNI)