In huge blow to ruling Congress, BJP wins lone Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh

In huge blow to ruling Congress, BJP wins lone Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh

In a massive set back to the ruling Congress in Himachal Pradesh, BJP leader Jairam Thakur on Tuesday claimed that it’s candidate Harsh Mahajan has defeated Congress’ Abhishek Manu Singhvi to win the lone Rajya Sabha seat in the state.

“Despite having such a huge majority, Congress lost the Rajya Sabha seat…I congratulate Harsh Mahajan once again…,” BJP leader and LoP Jairam Thakur said.

He further demanded CM Sukhu’s resignation after the Congress party’s defeat in the Rajya Sabha elections.

“We are rightly saying that looking at this victory, the Himachal Pradesh CM should resign from his position…The MLAs have left him just within a year,” Thakur added.

The Congress has 40 MLAs in Himachal Pradesh, while the BJP has just 25.

According to initial reports, the six Congress MLAs and three independents voted in favour of the BJP candidate. He received 34 votes, which were equal to BJP’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi.

This BJP claim of victory in the Rajya Sabha elections came shortly after CM Sukhu alleged that Six Congress MLAs have been taken away by CRPF to BJP-ruled Haryana.

“CRPF and Haryana Police convoy have taken away 5-6 MLAs,” CM Sukhu told reporters on Tuesday.

“I can say that the people who have gone away are being contacted by their families, I urge them to contact their families…There is no need to worry,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to reports, six Congress MLAs and three independents have reportedly reached a government rest house in Haryana’s Panchkula.

Earlier today, the Leader of Opposition in Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Jairam Thakur had claimed that the Sukhu government has lost the majority.

“The budget will be presented tomorrow. We will discuss the budget tomorrow and then we will see the situation there. But I can see that the government has lost the majority,” Thakur said when asked if the BJP is planning to demand the floor test.