Congress quells crisis in HP as budget passes amid coup concerns

PTC News Desk: Amid looming fears of a potential coup challenging the mandate of Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in Himachal Pradesh, the Congress government managed to quell the crisis by successfully passing the state budget, bringing a sense of relief to the party.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emerged victorious in retaining power in Himachal Pradesh, effectively thwarting any imminent threat of a no-confidence vote as the state Assembly adjourned indefinitely post the budget's passage. With this development, the Sukhu administration has fortified its stance, ensuring a stable tenure for the next three months without facing immediate challenges such as a no-confidence motion, which had been demanded by BJP legislators.

The BJP's attempt to impede the budget's approval by calling for a division of votes was stymied when 15 of its MLAs, including Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur, were suspended. Prior to the budget's passage, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu firmly dispelled rumors surrounding his resignation as the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, rebuffing BJP's insistence on his stepping down following Congress' setback in the Rajya Sabha elections.

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CRISIS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH AFTER RAJYA SABHA POLLS:

The Congress filed a disqualification motion against six party lawmakers who voted for the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. The Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has reserved his decision on the matter. Additionally, an additional solicitor general, representing the six MLAs, requested time to respond to the disqualification petitions.

1. The Congress initiated a disqualification motion against six party lawmakers for cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha polls, with the Assembly Speaker reserving his order on the matter.
2. The Himachal Pradesh Assembly adjourned indefinitely after successfully passing the state budget, providing a significant reprieve to the Sukhvinder Sukhu government.
3. The BJP's call for a division of votes hit a snag as 15 of its MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, were suspended.
4. Jairam Thakur and BJP MLAs met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, seeking a floor test, claiming the Chief Minister had lost the mandate.
   
5. Following the Rajya Sabha polls defeat, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh resigned, expressing dismay over the party's treatment of his late father, Virbhadra Singh.
6. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took charge of the crisis, briefing Congress President Kharge and maintaining contact with MLAs, including Vikramaditya Singh.
7. The BJP's Harsh Mahajan defeated Congress's Abhishek Manu Singhvi in a tied battle, indicating cross-voting within Congress ranks.
8. Senior Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and D K Shivakumar were dispatched to engage with disgruntled MLAs.
9. The six rebel MLAs, rumored to be in touch with BJP, were flown back to Shimla from Haryana.
10. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that one rebel MLA sought forgiveness, and he intends to address Vikramaditya Singh's grievances, rejecting his resignation. Jairam Ramesh affirmed Congress's resolve to safeguard Himachal Pradesh's mandate against BJP's attempts.
    
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    (Inputs from agencies)