Shimla, Aug. 27 -- Political tempers flared in Himachal Pradesh over alleged political interference and extortion from industrialists in the state's key manufacturing hubs.

Congress MLA from Doon, Ram Kumar, and BJP legislator and former Industries Minister Bikram Singh Thakur exchanged sharp accusations, escalating the war of words into a potential legal battle.

Speaking to the media and later to ANI, Ram Kumar stated that he would serve a defamation notice worth Rs 2 crore on Bikram Singh Thakur for making what he termed "factually baseless and damaging allegations" against him.

"Bikram Singh Thakur, during his tenure as Industries Minister, indulged in extortion from industrialists. Not only he, but even his son exerted pressure on ...