The Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh is currently embroiled in significant political turmoil following the victory of the opposition BJP party in the state’s lone seat during the Rajya Sabha elections held on Tuesday. The Congress administration faces a critical juncture as six MLAs have reportedly switched sides and are believed to be in contact with the BJP.
Compounding the challenges for the Congress, former Chief Minister Vikramaditya Singh has also tendered his resignation from the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu cabinet. In response, senior Congress leaders including former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have hurried to the hill state to engage in discussions with party members in an effort to avert a potential loss of power.
In the Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP emerged victorious in Himachal Pradesh’s sole seat, with its candidate Harsh Mahajan defeating Congress stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The contest concluded in a tie, with both Congress and BJP candidates securing 34 votes each, indicating that at least six Congress MLAs voted against their own party. The result was ultimately determined by a draw of lots.
Of the 68-member assembly, the Congress holds 40 MLAs while the BJP commands 25 legislators in Himachal Pradesh. The remaining three seats are occupied by independents.
