Himachal Pradesh Political Crisis Continues: Assembly Budget Session Abruptly Adjourned; Congress Sends Observers to Shimla

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Addresses Media During State Assembly's Budget Session in Shimla, February 28, 2024. | Photo Credit: PTI

Following a tumultuous Rajya Sabha election marred by cross-voting, which resulted in the BJP securing the Congress-ruled state's sole Rajya Sabha seat, Himachal Pradesh's government is embroiled in a political crisis.

In a bid to salvage its position, the Congress acted swiftly amidst a flurry of events, including the resignation of prominent minister Vikramaditya Singh and the Speaker's decision to suspend 15 BJP MLAs. The crisis was precipitated by the cross-voting of six Congress MLAs during Tuesday's Rajya Sabha election.

By afternoon, a temporary reprieve was achieved as the Finance Bill sailed through via a voice vote, sans any BJP presence. Subsequently, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania adjourned the House sine die.

Earlier in the day, Jairam Thakur, the Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, conferred with the Governor, underscoring the BJP's call for a vote division on the ongoing Budget Session's cut motions. These discussions come amidst speculation of the BJP tabling a no-confidence motion against the Congress government in the State Assembly.

Here are the top 10 points in this big story:

1. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu denies resignation rumors, accuses BJP of spreading rumors to destabilize Congress before budget presentation.

2. Sukhu claims unity within Congress, states some cross-voting lawmakers reaching out to return.

3. Buzz suggests BJP planning floor test to test Congress' majority in the 68-member House.

4. Congress had 40 MLAs before cross-voting; potential loss of six cross-voters puts its count at 34, one below majority. BJP's count could reach 34 as well.

5. Congress rushes DK Shivakumar, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and Rajeev Shukla as observers to address crisis.

6. Jairam Ramesh calls cross-voting unfortunate, serves disqualification notices to six cross-voters, prioritizes saving Congress government, hints at potential removal of Chief Minister Sukhu.

7. BJP's Jairam Thakur demands Sukhu's resignation, questions Congress' majority, claims support of nine 'opposition' MLAs.

8. Assembly Speaker expels 15 BJP MLAs for misconduct, reducing effective House strength to 53 and majority to 27; potential implications for Congress' survival.

9. Loss of Himachal Pradesh by Congress would highlight challenges faced by opposition ahead of general election.

10. Situation underscores tensions between Congress and BJP, with implications for upcoming general election.