Shimla: In a significant blow to the Congress in Himachal Pradesh, State Minister Vikramaditya Singh tendered his resignation on Wednesday morning, citing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s alleged disregard for MLAs and disrespect towards his late father, Virbhadra Singh.
Virbhadra Singh was a towering figure within the state’s Congress party.
This development further exacerbates the challenges faced by the Congress government in the midst of unfolding political turmoil, evolving from a routine Rajya Sabha seat election into a struggle for the survival of the ruling administration.
Following the dramatic turn of events, which witnessed six Congress MLAs defecting during the Rajya Sabha polls, Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jai Ram Thakur, held discussions with Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla amidst speculations of a potential no-confidence motion by the BJP against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.
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Expressing BJP’s stance, Thakur asserted that the Congress’s predicament stems from its own actions rather than external influences. He emphasised that the Congress government’s legitimacy is now in question, especially after BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan secured victory in the Rajya Sabha elections despite Congress’s substantial majority in the Vidhan Sabha.
Dismissing BJP’s claims, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu maintained that the Congress still commands trust, despite the defections. He praised the integrity of the 34 MLAs who remained loyal to the party, condemning the alleged inducements offered to sway their allegiance.
The Rajya Sabha election result, culminating in a draw, saw Mahajan emerging triumphant after securing votes from defecting Congress MLAs and Independent legislators. Thakur clarified that as per the Election Commission’s guidelines, cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha is not deemed invalid.
Thakur highlighted the chaotic proceedings during the Budget session, citing instances where the Opposition’s demands for division of votes were allegedly disregarded, leading to unprecedented confrontations within the Himachal Vidhan Sabha.
Amid mounting tensions, the BJP expressed concerns over potential suspensions of its MLAs by the Speaker to avert the division of votes. State BJP President Rajeev Bindal reiterated the party’s call for the government’s resignation, signaling an imminent showdown in the political arena.
Who is Vikramaditya Singh
Vikramaditya Singh is a prominent political figure from Himachal Pradesh. Born into the royal family of Himachal Pradesh, he is the son of veteran Congress leader Virbhadra Singh, who served multiple terms as Chief Minister of the state.
Vikramaditya Singh has followed in his father’s footsteps, entering politics and representing the Indian National Congress party. He has held various positions within the party and has been actively involved in state politics. Known for his dedication to public service and commitment to the welfare of the people of Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh is a respected leader in the region.
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