Six former MLAs from Himachal Pradesh, disqualified as Congress legislators, have made a significant political move by joining the BJP in Delhi. The event, graced by Union Minister Anurag Thakur and former Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, marks a notable shift in the state’s political landscape.
The disqualification of these six MLAs stemmed from their defiance of a party whip, which required their presence in the House and voting in favor of the Himachal Pradesh government during a crucial cut motion and budget session. This rebellion against their party led them to find a new political home within the BJP.
Welcoming the former Congress lawmakers into the party fold, Anurag Thakur emphasized that their inclusion would bolster the BJP’s strength. He took the opportunity to criticize the state’s Congress government, accusing it of failing to fulfill its commitments and causing widespread discontent among the people. Thakur also highlighted the recent support extended by these leaders to the BJP during the Rajya Sabha election, citing it as a reflection of the prevailing “public anger” against the Congress.
This political development comes hot on the heels of another significant event: Three Independent legislators supporting the BJP candidate during the Rajya Sabha elections tendered their resignations. These legislators and the six disqualified Congress MLAs have been staying in Delhi for over a week and are now poised to join the BJP, further strengthening the party’s position.
With these recent changes, the composition of the 68-member House has significantly shifted, reducing the number of legislators to 59. The Congress holds 34 members, including the Speaker, while the BJP has 25 MLAs. This altered balance of power sets the stage for upcoming by-elections for six assembly constituencies, which will be conducted simultaneously with the four Lok Sabha seats.
The Congress government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, had previously faced a crisis when the BJP secured victory in the Rajya Sabha poll for the state’s single seat with the backing of these nine MLAs. While Sukhu maintains outward confidence and his government’s stability remains intact, the BJP aims to capitalize on this momentum by winning the upcoming by-polls. Such wins could potentially attract more ruling party legislators to join the BJP, posing a threat to the Sukhu-led government.
As political realignments unfold in Himachal Pradesh, the state’s political landscape is significantly transforming. The ramifications of these developments are yet to be fully realized, but they are undoubtedly shaping the future trajectory of politics in the region.
