BJP Upsets Congress in Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha Elections, Sparks Political Turmoil

In a political upset, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has delivered a significant blow to the Congress in Himachal Pradesh by defeating senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha elections. The unexpected turn of events has triggered a political storm in the state, prompting the Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh, Jairam Thakur, and BJP legislative party members to meet Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, expressing concerns over the denial of a division of votes during a crucial financial bill in the Assembly.

Thakur criticized the conduct of marshals towards BJP MLAs and raised apprehensions about potential punitive actions against BJP legislators and Congress MLAs who supported the BJP in the Rajya Sabha polls. The political turmoil intensified as disruptions led to the adjournment of the assembly session, with Thakur alleging that the government was evading a division of votes, signaling a loss of majority.

The embarrassing loss for the Congress in the Rajya Sabha elections resulted from six Congress MLAs cross-voting in favor of the BJP candidate, setting the stage for a possible no-confidence motion. With 40 MLAs in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the Congress now faces challenges to maintain its government, while the BJP, with 25 legislators, has capitalized on the internal rift within the ruling party. The developments underscore the shifting political dynamics in Himachal Pradesh, posing a significant test for the stability of the Congress government established in December 2022.