SHIMLA: The political landscape in Himachal Pradesh remained tumultuous as embattled CM
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
grappled with internal dissent and the fallout of disqualifying six rebel
Congress
MLAs, who voted for BJP candidate in Rajya Sabha elections on Feb 27.
Amidst the turmoil, late former CM
Virbhadra Singh
's home Holly Lodge emerged as a focal point determining the fate of the Sukhu-led Congress govt.
All eyes are on Virbhadra's wife Pratibha Singh, who is an MP as well as state Congress president, along with her son Vikramaditya Singh. They have expressed grievances over alleged lack of cooperation from CM.
PWD minister Vikramaditya recently met the six Congress rebels in a Chandigarh hotel before heading to New Delhi, triggering speculation that he might meet BJP's leadership, potentially signalling a party switch that could exacerbate Sukhu's challenges.
With only 34 MLAs in a 62-member assembly after the disqualifications, Congress govt's survival hangs by a thread, as BJP, backed by three independents, commands 28 members. Congress's focus now shifted towards consolidating govt's position to ensure its full five-year term. Thus, efforts were made to placate Pratibha, the MP for Mandi, during a closed-door meeting on Saturday with deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri. Sources said she was reportedly assured of enhanced coordination between govt and the organisation.
Also, Sukhu attempted to assuage dissent by accommodating MLAs in key positions, a move criticised by BJP. MLA Bhawani Singh Pathania was appointed deputy chairman of State Planning Board, while MLA Nand Lal was made chairperson of the 7th State Finance Commission. Both were elevated to the rank of cabinet ministers. More appointments are expected.
BJP leader and ex-CM Jai Ram Thakur warned of potential instability due to Congress infighting, urging party workers to remain vigilant. "Congress govt has no moral right to remain in office as its ministers are running away from cabinet meetings, some are resigning, and MLAs inside the assembly are speaking against its own govt," he said.
In the midst of the chaos, the fate of the six rebel MLAs remained uncertain, with no indication yet of their legal challenge against speaker
Kuldeep Singh
Pathania's decision to disqualify them under provisions of the anti-defection law for defying the party whip in the RS polls. If unchallenged, bypolls for their vacated seats are inevitable, likely coinciding with Lok Sabha elections.
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