Himachal Political Crisis: 6 Congress MLAs, Who Cross-Voted In Rajya Sabha Polls, Disqualified

After the cross-voting by nine members, comprising three Independents, there was a question mark over the survival of the Sukhvinder Sukhu-led Congress government (Image: PTI)

The six Congress MLAs, who cross-voted in favour of BJP in Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha polls, have been disqualified. According to Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the rebel lawmakers were disqualified under the anti-defection law.

“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,” said Pathania.

The political scenario in Himachal changed dramatically after the defeat of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha elections due to cross-voting by nine lawmakers, including six from Congress and three Independents who previously supported the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government.

Congress MLAs who voted in favour of the BJP’s candidate were Sudhir Sharma (Dharamsala) and Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), both ministerial aspirants; Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Badsar); Ravi Thakur (Lahaul-Spiti); Chaitnaya Sharma (Gagret); and Devender Bhutto (Kutlehar).

In the 68-member Assembly, the Congress had 40 MLAs, while the BJP had 25 and three independent MLAs. After disqualification of six rebel Congress MLAs, the strength of the House will come down to 62. The halfway mark will be 31 and the majority will be 32, just two less than Congress’ strength.