Himachal Crisis: Sukhu Refutes Resignation Buzz, Cong Observers Meet MLAs, Cross-Voters Flown Back — Top Points

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Sukhu expressed confidence that his government would endure its full term and said any attempt to topple the democratically elected government would be thwarted.

New Delhi: Amid a political upheaval in Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress government is grappling with a shift in allegiance from six of its MLAs to the BJP, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu refuted speculations regarding his resignation. CM Sukhu clarified on Wednesday that he has not tendered his resignation as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, despite reports suggesting otherwise, PTI reported.

Address a press conference in Shimla, CM Sukhu affirmed his determination, stating, "I am a fighter, born into a humble family. We shall emerge victorious in this struggle and demonstrate our majority in the Vidhan Sabha."

Following a tense standoff in the Assembly, suspended BJP MLAs, including Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur, initially resisted vacating the premises, seemingly aiming to obstruct the passing of the Sukhu government's Budget through a voice vote. The BJP advocated for a voting process on the Budget, alleging it would expose the Congress's waning majority in the House.

Here are the key developments so far:

• The political turmoil followed after six Congress MLAs cast their votes in favour of the BJP candidate during the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh. As per reports, these disgruntled MLAs expressed dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Sukhu's leadership style, thus, prompting their defection.


• The defection of these six MLAs has thrown the Congress government into a state of uncertainty, with its survival at stake. However, Sukhu said, "We are in communication with some of the MLAs who crossed the aisle during the Rajya Sabha polls."


• He further expressed confidence that his government would endure its full term of five years and said any attempt to topple the democratically elected government would be thwarted. Speaking to ANI, the chief minister said, “We've brought disqualification motion against them (Congress MLAs who voted for BJP candidate in RS polls) and hearing for the same is underway. The budget was passed today and the conspiracy to topple our govt has been foiled and our govt will complete five years.”


• Later in the day, the crisis was temporarily averted as the Finance Bill was passed via voice vote in the absence of any BJP members. Subsequently, the Speaker adjourned the session sine die.


• In efforts to mitigate potential fallout just weeks ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress orchestrated damage control measures from Delhi to prevent the potential loss of a state ruled by the party. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge dispatched three observers—Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and D K Shivakumar—to Shimla, hinting at the possibility of taking "tough steps."


• Later in the evening, the observers commenced discussions with party MLAs. Congress's central observers, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar, engaged in one-on-one dialogues with party legislators at a hotel near the Vidhan Sabha building. Notably, the six legislators from Himachal Pradesh Congress, who had cross-voted during the recent Rajya Sabha polls, were absent from the town.


• These six MLAs, who had voted in favour of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan during the Rajya Sabha elections, were transported back to Panchkula after attending a hearing regarding a petition on anti-defection laws before Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania.


• Weighing in on the resignation tendered by Cabinet minister Vikramaditya Singh, CM Sukhu said the Congress leader has some grievance which will be addressed, ANI reported.


• According to advocate Satyapal Jain, the legal representative for the six Congress MLAs who participated in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha polls, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has issued a notice to these legislators, seeking an explanation from them regarding why they should not face disqualification under the anti-defection law.


• Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur claimed that the Congress does not have a majority in the House. “We went to meet the Governor in the morning and I said that since Congress does not have the majority to pass the Budget in the Assembly, the Speaker will suspend BJP MLAs,” ANI quoted Thakur as saying.


• Launching a blistering attack on the BJP amid this political instability in Himachal, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi alleged that the saffron party was "dependent" on horse-trading to challenge the grand old party’s majority in the state.


• “The work of horse trading of MLAs now started in Himachal Pradesh. This is unfortunate for the country...the people of the country have now understood that BJP is dangerous for democracy and people will come forward to save democracy," Punjab Minister and AAP leader Harpal Singh Cheema told ANI.