Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting
Table of Contents
Decoding Political Turmoil in Himachal Pradesh: The Aftermath of Rajya Sabha Cross-Voting
Introduction
In a stunning turn of events, the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh witnessed a seismic shift on Tuesday when the BJP clinched victory in the election for a vacant Rajya Sabha seat. This unexpected outcome has thrown the Congress government into a precarious position, with potential implications for the upcoming Budget Session. The ensuing drama involves the resignation of a Congress minister, the suspension of 15 BJP MLAs, and a looming threat of a floor test. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this political saga.
The Election Upset
The BJP’s triumph on Tuesday, securing 40 out of 68 Assembly seats, not only embarrassed the Congress but also jeopardized the stability of the government. The defeat, especially considering the Congress’s anticipation of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s victory, sets the stage for a possible collapse of the government if the Budget fails to pass.
BJP’s Strategy and Cross-Voting
The BJP strategically nominated former Congress leader Harsh Mahajan as its candidate, forcing an election despite the Congress’s majority. In a surprising turn of events during the voting, the BJP, with only 25 MLAs, managed to secure nine additional votes. The result ended in a 34-34 tie, with three Independents and six Congress MLAs cross-voting for the BJP. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu expressed disappointment, attributing the cross-voting to external allurements.
BJP’s Assertion of Majority
The BJP promptly claimed that the Congress government, led by Sukhu, had lost its majority following the Rajya Sabha results. Jai Ram Thakur, the BJP’s Leader of the Opposition, asserted that despite the Congress’s significant majority in the Vidhan Sabha, the BJP’s victory indicated a loss of legitimacy for the ruling party.
Implications for the Budget Session
The immediate challenge for the Congress lies in the Budget Session scheduled for Wednesday. In an attempt to salvage the situation, Thakur approached Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, seeking a division of votes on the Budget. Speculation is rife that the BJP might push for a floor test, intensifying the political standoff.
The Crucial Budget and Potential Scenarios
Thakur emphasized the importance of a division of votes during the Budget session, a strategic move to record MLAs’ votes on a motion rather than a voice vote. With neither party reaching the majority threshold of 35 in the Assembly, political maneuvering is anticipated before the Budget Session concludes on Thursday. The expulsion of 15 BJP MLAs adds a significant layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
Governor’s Role and Minority Concerns
If Governor Shukla perceives the government as being in the minority, he holds the authority to demand a proof of majority from the Chief Minister. This adds another dimension to the evolving crisis, intensifying the political tug-of-war between the Congress and the BJP.
Ramifications of Budget Failure
The failure to pass the Budget could signify a loss of majority for the government, a critical indication in parliamentary systems. Unlike other legislative bills, the inability to pass the Budget, crucial for the functioning of the government, could lead to the resignation of the Chief Minister. Simultaneously, the six Congress MLAs who allegedly cross-voted face a dilemma, as voting against the Budget may trigger disqualification under the anti-defection law.
New Majority Threshold and Political Maneuvering
If the six Congress MLAs vote against the Budget and face disqualification, the House’s total strength would reduce to 62, establishing a new majority threshold at 31. This scenario potentially empowers the Congress, with its 34 MLAs, to pass the Budget and retain power. The suspension of 15 BJP MLAs further adds uncertainty to the evolving political equation.
Internal Strife within the Congress
Adding to the Congress’s woes, the departure of six MLAs and the resignation of senior leader Vikramditya Singh highlight internal strife. Factional feuds between CM Sukhu and state unit president Pratibha Singh have been ongoing, exacerbated by discontent over candidate selection and ministerial appointments.
Damage Control and Intervention
In the aftermath of Singhvi’s defeat, the Congress high command dispatched senior leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and D K Shivakumar to Himachal Pradesh. Their mission is to assess the MLAs’ sentiments and address demands for Sukhu’s removal, signaling a desperate attempt at damage control.
Conclusion
The political turmoil in Himachal Pradesh, triggered by the unexpected outcome of the Rajya Sabha election, unfolds as a multi-faceted drama with far-reaching consequences. The imminent Budget Session becomes a battleground, and the suspension of BJP MLAs adds a layer of complexity. The internal strife within the Congress further amplifies the uncertainty, making it a political spectacle worth closely monitoring.