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PremiumHimachal Pradesh Political Crisis Highlights: Congress leader DK Shivakumar informed on Monday that Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu has taken responsibility for Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi's defeat in the Rajya Sabha Elections. He further informed that Sukhu's government will stay and all the MLAs want Congress government for 5 years.
Moreover, a six-member coordination Committtee is being setup between the party and the state government so that no political crisis is created in future, Shivakumar added.
Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government witnessed major political turmoil after the opposition BJP party won the lone seat of the state in the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday. The Congress government in the state faced troubles after six MLAs crossed voted for the BJP.
Adding Congress' woes, Vikramaditya Singh also announced his resignation from the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu cabinet. Following this, Congress top brass former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have rushed to the hill state to parley with members of the party to prevent loss of power in the state.
Here are all the highlights on Himachal Pradesh political crisis.
The political turmoil in Himachal Pradesh seems to be over with Congress' central observer DK Shivakumar Thursday announcing that all differences have been ironed out even as the assembly speaker disqualified six rebel Congress legislators over abstaining from voting on the Budget in the House.
Shivakumar also said it has been decided to form a coordination committee to sort out all internal matters and claimed the Congress government would complete its full term in the hill state. (PTI)
The party workers burned the effigies of all the rebel MLAs on Thursday, but the supporters of the rebel MLA from Dharamshala, Sudhir Sharma, came face-to-face with the protestors.
Consequently, a scuffle broke out between both sides, prompting police to jump in.
The police's timely intervention pacified both sides.
Notably, the Congress observers appointed to address the crisis in Himachal Pradesh recommended maintaining Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu as Chief Minister till the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, sources said on Thursday. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur on Thursday said the ruling party may have saved the government for now but the chances of survival in the coming days were 'slim'. Speaking to ANI, Thakur accused the Assembly Speaker, who earlier suspended 15 BJP MLAs, including the former CM, of behaving like a Congress leader.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Thursday, "I don't know where this news (of my resignation) came from. I refuted that claim. That news was spread as part of a conspiracy so that our numbers go down during voting (in the House for Budget passage). We have run the government honestly, and they (BJP) have been trying to destabilise it."
Congress observer DK Shivakumar averted the crisis in Himachal, saying on Thursday that CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu government will stay and all the MLAs want Congress government for 5 years. According to PTI, he added that a six-member coordination Committtee is being setup between the party and the state government so that no political crisis is created in future.
"Coordination committee comprising Himachal CM, deputy CM, state unit chief and other members would be constituted," said Bhupinder Hooda.
DK Shivakumar said, "We have spoken to Himachal CM, Cong MLAs and state unit chief; all differences have been ironed out."
Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu has taken responsibility for Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi's defeat in the Rajya Sabha Elections, said Central observer DK Shivakumar.
Himachal Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Rajeev Bindal said on Thursday that the Congress has no right to stay in power after the party lost the Rajya Sabha election despite having a majority in the state assembly.
"Our experts analyse the situation and after looking at their judgements, we will take a decision. It is too early to say anything. Congress was totally exposed in the Rajya Sabha elections...Congress has lost its opportunity," Rajeev Bindal said, adding, "Morally, they have no right to stay in power
Himachal Pradesh BJP leader Jairam Thaku said, "We have been saying this for long, that the manner in which government is functioning in Himachal, MLAs have expressed their displeasure at public platforms, but no resolution has been found till date. Even now, the (Congress) party high command has just given assurance that everything will be fine."
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, former Chhattisgarh CM Bhupesh Baghel, former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda and local Congress leaders and MLAs held a consultation at Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu's residence in Shimla today.
Himachal Pradesh BJP president Rajeev Bindal on Thursday said that the Congress has lost its opportunity and was totally exposed in the Rajya Sabha elections.
" Our experts analyse the situation and after looking at their judgments, we will take a decision. It is too early to say anything. Congress was totally exposed in the Rajya Sabha elections...Congress has lost its opportunity. Morally they have no right to stay in power and emotions of the people of Himachal Pradesh are clear from this," he said.
When asked about the disqualification of 6 Congress MLAs and if that would have an impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh said, "Definitely, why not? When it has been more than a year and you take no cognisance or listen to them, it is natural for them to be upset. Had you sat them down, talked to them and found out a solution, this situation would not have occurred."
When asked about unrest among MLAs of the party in the state, Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh said that the legacy of her husband, Virbhadra Singh is with them.
"Whatever step we took, we took keeping in mind the sentiments of the people of Himachal Pradesh - the people are connected to us. The legacy of Virbhadra Singh is with us. We are going ahead by following in his sentiments of what he wanted for the state. We brought to their (party high command) knowledge again and again about whatever we thought was not correct. We said these things before them in yesterday's meeting as well. We are waiting that what decisions they take," she said.
The disqualified MLAs are Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Devinder Kumar Bhutoo, Ravi Thakur and Chetanya Sharma.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who had reserved his verdict on the disqualification of the MLAs on Wednesday, said the legislators attracted the anti-defection law by defying the Congress whip as they were elected on the party's tickets.
On disqualification of six Congress MLAs, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh said that it is not right for him to comment.
"It is not right for me to say anything on this as of now. The speaker has taken this decision. So, I don't think it is correct for me to make a comment on the same. As I said, we will speak with the Observers and we will see what the future course of action will be," he said.
"I had said that I won't press it. Dialogues are underway. Observers are here and they trying to set everything right. We will speak with them again...Himachal is 'devabhoomi', it has blessings of the deities and I had also gone to Ayodhya and took blessings of Lord Ram. So, we have everyone's blessings. There is no problem..." Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh said on his resignation as a minister in the Himachal Pradesh cabinet.
"All 6 MLAs have been disqualified. They cease to be a member of Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly..." Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania told ANI.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania says, "Six MLAs, who contested on Congress symbol, attracted provisions of anti-defection law against themselves...I declare that the six people cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect."
Ahead of the Assembly session, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called a 'breakfast meeting' of all Congress MLAs on Thursday in Shimla.
"It is an important meeting. Let's see what happens...This is an informal meeting," party MLA Ashish Butail.
Congress MLA Sudarshan Singh Bablu said, "The CM has called everyone for breakfast. Let's see what discussions are taking place...We received the message last night. Our Government will continue under the leadership of the Chief Minister."
Supporters of Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh gather outside a Lodge in Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh Congress leader Bhuvneshwar Gaur says, "The CM has invited us all for breakfast. Discussions will be held. The Government is stable. Sukhvinder Singh government will continue for five years in Himachal Pradesh."
Congress MLA Ajay Solanki says, "The CM has called us all for breakfast. This is important...The Government will continue for five years. Don't worry."
The Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania is likely to pronounce the order on the future of six rebel Congress MLAs on Thursday who cross voted in the Rajya Sabha polls.
The petition was filed by Congress MLA and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under the anti-defection law for disqualification of the six MLAs.
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has called a 'breakfast meeting' of all Congress MLAs, today in Shimla.
MLA Ashish Butail says, "It is an important meeting. Let's see what happens...This is an informal meeting..."
The Speaker of Himachal Pradesh Assembly Kuldeep Singh Pathania likely to pronounce the order on the future of 6 defected Congress MLAs today around 11 am.
The petition was filed by Congress MLA and parliamentary affairs Minister Harsh Wardhan Chauhan under anti-defection law for disqualification of the 6.
In less than 24 hours, the Congress suffered a dramatic loss in the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections and a state minister's resignation sparked speculation about the state government's "instability". But the passage of the Himachal Pradesh budget through a voice vote came as a relief for the Congress government in the state.
As the Congress faces a crisis in Himachal Pradesh after a humiliating defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls, party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday called for an assessment of the party's "assets and liabilities".
The former Punjab unit president said the Rajya Sabha poll defeat was not just of the party candidate but had "larger" implications.
As the Congress faced a fresh political crisis in Himachal Pradesh, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said on Wednesday that they have filed a petition against the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha election, and the decision regarding the same will be taken by the speaker.
Chauhan said that the grand old party has proved its majority and passed the budget.
"The Congress government proved its majority today and passed the budget. A whip was issued to the party MLAs to be present in the House during voting on Wednesday on budget. But these MLAs defied it by staying away," he said.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said on Wednesday that the Parliamentary Affairs Minister has filed a petition against the six Congress MLAs who cross voted in the Rajya Sabha polls, adding that the majority is still with the Congress Party.
The Congress government in the state faces a crisis after six MLAs crossed sides and are learnt to be in touch with the BJP. The Congress has 40 MLAs, while the BJP has 25 in the 68-member state assembly. The remaining three seats are held by independents.
As the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh faces threat, the party on Wednesday said it was weighing all options and would not hesitate in taking "tough decisions" to ensure that the people's mandate given to it is respected.
Six Congress MLAs voted in favour of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, with sources claiming they are "disappointed" with the working style of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.
Himachal Pradesh Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on Wednesday reserved his order on a Congress petition seeking disqualification of six party MLAs who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha election.
The six MLAs also face the possibility of disqualification on another count.
Amid the political turmoil in Himachal Pradesh after cross-voting by six Congress MLAs during polling for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state on Tuesday, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday said all fellow party leaders were like his younger siblings, adding, significantly, that his party believes in 'forgiveness', and not 'revenge'.
Himachal Pradesh: Congress leader and one of the three central observers Bhupinder Singh Hooda says, "We have spoken to them (MLA)..."
The six Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs, who cross-voted for BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan during the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday, were flown back to Panchkula after they appeared for hearing on a petition on anti-defection law before Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania.
These MLAs, namely Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Inder Dutt lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Divender Kumar (Bhutto), who had left for Panchkula after voting on Tuesday, had returned to Shimla on Wednesday morning and left before the central Congress observers reached Shimla.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, the minister, who is the son of late Congress stalwart and long-time former CM Virbhadra Singh, said, "There is a difference between taking back the resignation and not pressing it until a final outcome emerges from the ongoing dialogue and the efforts of the central observers. We have had a round of discussions with the central observers and have briefed them on the present situation in the state. Till the final outcome (of the placatiry efforts of the central observers), I won't press my resignation."
The Congress scrambled Wednesday to save its government in Himachal Pradesh, amid dramatic developments that included suspension of 15 BJP MLAs by the Speaker and a resignation offer by high-profile minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Singh, who is the son of Himachal Congress president Pratibha Singh, said in the morning that he is submitting his resignation from council of ministers but hours later softened his stand.
After state minister Vikramaditya Singh resigned as PWD minister, Congress leader Raghubir Singh Bali said on Wednesday that the decision taken by the former was because of differences of opinion rather than any disagreement.
He said that the Congress MLAs are with CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, and the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) meeting can be called at any time.
“Speaker has suspended 15 BJP MLAs from the house; this suspension was definitely done to save the government. Had the budget motion not passed today, it would have established the fact that the government has lost majority," said former Himachal Pradesh CM and BJP leader Jairam Thakur after meeting with party legislators in Shimla.
"It is the responsibility of every individual to strengthen the organisation. In the larger interest and unity of the party, the resignation by me in the morning which the CM refused to accept, I would not like to press it further. There was no danger (to the government), it was just a creation." said Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh
After meeting with party Observers, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, "...Discussion was held regarding elections. Our govt is safe..."
Amid the political crisis in Himachal Pradesh triggered by cross-voting by six of its MLAs in Rajya Sabha polls, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has said that some senior party leaders are in the hill state to meet the legislators and a report will be presented to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge.
He accused the BJP of trying to topple the Congress government in the state and said the leadership will not shy away from harsh decisions as the party is supreme.
"Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and AICC in-charge Rajeev Shukla are there. They have spoken with the Congress president. He has told them to meet and listen to all MLAs about their grievances and demands," Jairam Ramesh said.
"Cross-voting took place. But the conspiracy to topple the Congress government...what steps are to be taken by the party to tackle this 'Operation Lotus' - Congress president has told these senior colleagues to meet everyone and listen to what they have to say and present him a report at the earliest," he added.
"I am sad over the fact they (rebel MLAs) might be upset with me over a leading advocate like Abhishek Manu Singhvi, but not voting for candidates who should have been sent to Rajya Sabha from Himachal is betrayal with the party," says Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu
Congress leaders Bhupendra Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar, who are appointed as the party observers, reach Shimla
Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh, who resigned from Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu cabinet earlier today, said about the party observers meeting in Shimla, “It is for the party’s high command to decide on the future course of action. I never was in pressure during my ministerial position; I am the one who creates pressure."
On asking why his resignation is not accepted, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh says, "It is the Chief Minister's prerogative... I do not take the pressure. I give pressure..."
Amid a political crisis in Himachal Pradesh after the defeat of the Congress candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday asserted that they will run the government for five years.
"Neither the high command has asked me nor anyone else for resignation and there is no such thing," Sukhu told PTI Videos while replying to a question.
He said, "The kind of work done by the state BJP leaders. They did not trust their own people. CRPF was deployed. Haryana police was deployed. A helicopter was used."
In a stunning upset for the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh, the BJP on Tuesday won the state's lone Rajya Sabha seat with its candidate Harsh Mahajan defeating Congress stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi and apparently setting the stage for a no-trust motion in the assembly.
"But I want to say one thing that the people of Himachal are with us and MLAs are with us and I can definitely say that we will run the Himachal government for five years," said Sukhu.
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday claimed to have tided over the imminent threat to the government through some rebel MLAs and said the BJP's conspiracy to topple the government failed.
Sukhu said there is no question of accepting the resignation of Vikramaditya Singh, Himachal Pradesh minister -- son of late Virbhadra Singh. Sukhu said Vikramaditya Singh is like his younger brother and all his grievances will be addressed.
The six Congress MLAs, who were issued show-cause notice for defying the whip for Rajya Sabha polls on Tuesday, appeared before the Speaker along with their lawyer and argued that they had not been provided all the relevant documents.
Senior advocate Satya Pal Jain, who represented the six Congress MLAs before the Speaker, argued hat they were only given the notice and the copy of the petition filed on Tuesday evening while other annexure were not supplied to them.
Jain said according to rules, seven days' time has to be given to the MLAs for filing the reply the copy of the petition is supplied to them.
