Himachal All 6 rebel Congress MLAs have been disqualified under the anti-defection law

In a dramatic turn of events, Himachal Pradesh’s Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, announced on Thursday the disqualification of six Congress MLAs for siding with the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections on February 27. The disqualification, enacted under the anti-defection law, effectively removes these legislators from their positions in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly. Pathania stated, “The six legislators, who were elected under the Congress banner, have invoked the anti-defection law… As of now, they are no longer members of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly.”

This development comes amid escalating political tensions in Himachal Pradesh after the Congress party’s candidate was defeated in the Rajya Sabha elections, prompting discussions about the stability of the state government. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in an interview with PTI Videos, clarified that there were no demands for his resignation from any quarters, including the party’s high command, and expressed confidence in his government’s tenure. “The opposition’s lack of faith in their cadre was evident as they deployed CRPF and Haryana police, and even utilized a helicopter,” Sukhu remarked, highlighting the intense measures taken by the BJP.

The election results were a significant blow to the Congress, with BJP’s Harsh Mahajan edging out Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi for the state’s single Rajya Sabha seat, potentially paving the way for a no-confidence motion against the current government. Despite this, Sukhu remains optimistic, stating, “The people of Himachal, our MLAs, they all stand with us. I am confident that we will govern Himachal for the next five years.”

Addressing speculations about the reasons behind the unexpected election outcome, Sukhu admitted to possible internal shortcomings but emphasized the impact of “Operation Lotus,” a strategy attributed to the BJP, in influencing the election results. The vote ended in a deadlock, with both parties securing 34 votes each, leading to a decision by draw of lots.

The Congress party, which commands a majority with 40 seats in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly, faces a new challenge with the BJP holding 25 seats and independents occupying the remaining three.