The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh faces fresh turbulence as Vikramaditya Singh, a state minister and the son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, tendered his resignation on Wednesday. This development follows the recent defeat of the Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, attributed to cross-voting.
Announcing his decision at a press conference held post the Rajya Sabha election results, Vikramaditya Singh cited the prevailing circumstances as the reason for his resignation. He expressed concerns about the governance system over the past year and its impact on the party’s performance. Singh highlighted the alleged use of his father’s name during the assembly elections and voiced dissatisfaction with the treatment of MLAs within the government.
Emphasizing his commitment to the people of Himachal Pradesh, Singh stated that positions and cabinet berths were secondary to him. He pledged to consult his supporters before deciding on his future course of action.
Vikramaditya Singh, a two-time MLA from the Shimla Rural constituency, has been actively involved in state politics. His decision to step down adds to the challenges faced by the Congress administration, especially amidst ongoing budgetary proceedings in the Assembly.
The BJP’s unexpected victory in the Rajya Sabha elections has intensified the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh. BJP leaders have seized upon this opportunity, claiming that the government has lost both mandate and trust. With the assembly’s annual Budget session underway, the BJP’s demand for a division vote on the passing of the Budget poses a significant threat to the stability of the Congress-led government.
Highlighting the shifting dynamics, BJP leader Harsh Mahajan asserted that the BJP is poised to form the government in the state, citing alleged defections from the Congress ranks. Mahajan’s remarks signal heightened political tensions and the potential for a change in government leadership in Himachal Pradesh.
As the state braces for further political maneuvering, the fate of the Congress government hangs in the balance, with the BJP intensifying its efforts to garner support and assert its dominance in the region.