February 28, 2024 : In a recent turn of events, Himachal Pradesh finds itself amidst a political turmoil following the dramatic Rajya Sabha election. The election, riddled with allegations of cross-voting, led to the BJP securing the sole Rajya Sabha seat in the state, which has been traditionally Congress-ruled.
Expulsion of Opposition MLAs
During the unfolding of votes, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu accused the CRPF and Haryana Police of ‘kidnapping’ five to six Congress MLAs, including prominent figures like Rajinder Rana and Ravi Thakur. These legislators reportedly spent the night in BJP-ruled Haryana before heading to Tau Devi Lal Stadium.
Assembly Developments
Simultaneously, the State Legislative Assembly saw intense activity. The Leader of the Opposition, Jairam Thakur, had a meeting with the Governor to address concerns regarding the division of votes on ongoing budgetary matters. Amidst speculations of a motion of no-confidence by the BJP against the ruling Congress government, political tensions soared.
Congress Responds
In response to these challenges, Congress has taken decisive steps. Congress General Secretary, Jairam Ramesh, emphasized that the BJP’s attempts, dubbed as ‘Operation Lotus’, to sway the mandate of the people will not be tolerated. He underscored the party’s commitment to protecting the mandate given by the residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Historical Context
The genesis of this crisis traces back to the recent Rajya Sabha election where six Congress MLAs defected, expressing dissatisfaction with the working style of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. This fracture within the party led to the BJP’s victory in the election.
Rift within Congress
Additionally, rifts within the Congress have come to the forefront, notably between Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and the late Virbhadra Singh’s family. Virbhadra Singh, a towering figure in Himachal Pradesh politics, held significant influence within the Congress ranks. His absence has left voids and power struggles within the party.
As the situation escalates, the future of the Himachal Pradesh government hangs in the balance. With the expulsion of BJP MLAs from the assembly and internal rifts within Congress, the state’s political landscape remains highly uncertain. The coming days are crucial as both parties maneuver to secure their positions amidst mounting pressures.
