In a significant development amid the political turmoil in Himachal Pradesh, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and Congress observer DK Shivakumar announced on Thursday that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has acknowledged “some sort of failure” within the government and party during the recent Rajya Sabha polls. Shivakumar’s statement follows a series of deliberations and individual discussions with party MLAs, aimed at resolving the crisis that emerged after allegations of cross-voting surfaced.
Shivakumar revealed that a coordination committee comprising five to six members from both the party and the government has been established to address the challenges and ensure cohesive functioning. This move signals a concerted effort to foster unity and stability within the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh.
Addressing reporters, Shivakumar affirmed, “Our CM accepted that some failure has happened. But it will not continue further.” He further added, “We have spoken to all the MLAs personally. We have spoken to the PCC president, CM. One round of discussion will happen later. So all of them have sorted out all their differences. They’ll work together.”
The political crisis in Himachal Pradesh erupted following the BJP’s claim of the Sukhu-led government being in the minority after losing the state’s lone Rajya Sabha seat to the opposition in an election marked by allegations of cross-voting. Despite the BJP’s assertions, Sukhu reiterated that his government enjoys a majority and is committed to completing its full term.
Congress had dispatched observers Bhupesh Baghel, DK Shivakumar, and Bhupinder Hooda to engage with party MLAs and submit a comprehensive report to party president Mallikarjun Kharge. The recent disqualification of six Congress MLAs by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, for violating anti-defection laws by cross-voting, added another layer of complexity to the political landscape in the state.
Notably, Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh’s resignation and subsequent withdrawal have kept the party leadership on edge. While Singh has indicated he won’t press the issue of his resignation, his absence from a breakfast meeting convened by Sukhu raises questions about the extent of internal cohesion within the party.
After the 2022 Assembly elections, Congress secured 40 seats while the BJP secured 25 in the 68-member state assembly. With three seats held by independents, the political dynamics in Himachal Pradesh remain fluid, underscored by recent events.
Sources By Agencies
