Despite having just 25 MLAs in the 68-member Assembly, the BJP was nevertheless able to secure a victory for its candidate in the only Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. The BJP emerged victorious due to a favorable lotteries result and the cross-voting of Congress MLAs.
The Congress is only in charge of three states, including Himachal Pradesh, so this loss could have far-reaching effects beyond simply damaging the party’s reputation. A no-confidence motion is expected to follow the loss, putting the party’s government in jeopardy there. Not helping matters for the Congress will be the fact that the Lok Sabha elections are in a few weeks.
Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur declared in Hindi that the BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan had won, saying, “The Congress has lost the Rajya Sabha election in Himachal Pradesh, despite having such a huge majority.” I’d like to congratulate JP Nadda, the president of the BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Home Minister Amit Shah. Even though it seemed like we had little chance, we managed to win.”
With 40 MLAs in the Assembly, the Congress was anticipated to win handily with their candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Three government-supporting Independents and six Congress MLAs allegedly voted for the BJP during Tuesday’s polling for the one Rajya Sabha seat that was up for election.
According to sources, the BJP is expected to file a no-confidence motion on Thursday. Mr. Sukhu’s allegations that six Congress MLAs had been taken to the BJP-ruled state of Haryana during the vote-counting process further strengthened the BJP’s position.
