Himachal Pradesh Crisis: Congress falls like ninepins on high hopes and revolt

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu. (File photo)

The Congress party in Himachal Pradesh finds itself reeling from a double blow following the setback in the Rajya Sabha electionsand the resignation of state minister Vikramaditya Singh. These developments have caught the Grand Old Party off guard, dealing a significant blow to its morale and underscoring the challenges it currently confronts in the tiny Hill state.

The loss in the Rajya Sabha elections delivers a severe blow to the Congress, tarnishing its political standing and highlighting internal rifts within the party. Furthermore, Singh's resignation compounds the party's woes, potentially disrupting its leadership dynamics and organisational stability.

These developments assume greater significance due to their timing, unfolding at a crucial juncture when political activities are escalating in anticipation of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls slated for April-May. The Congress leadership in the state now confronts the formidable challenge of regrouping, instilling confidence among its cadre, and formulating strategies to reclaim lost ground in the state's political arena.

Despite the substantial numerical advantage enjoyed by the Congress, with 40 MLAs along with support from three independents, compared to the BJP's 25 MLAs in the state, the unexpected outcome of the Rajya Sabha elections highlights the Congress party's weak leadership and failure to foresee the BJP's strategic moves.

Political analysts say the depth of the political management crisis within the Congress was starkly illustrated on February 27, as Abhishek Singhvi suffered defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls despite the party's apparent numerical superiority of 43-25 over the saffron party.

Reports suggest that within the Congress party, there was significant internal dissent regarding the nomination of Abhishek Singhvi, whom some considered an "outsider," for the Rajya Sabha seat in the state. This dissent was particularly notable among senior leaders like Anand Sharma, who reportedly felt sidelined by Singhvi's nomination, perceiving it as a personal setback in his home state.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu recommended Sharma's name to the AICC leadership, highlighting his seniority, local influence, and the social balance it would bring, especially considering that both the PCC chief and CM belonged to the Thakur community. The goal was to foster greater unity among MLAs. However, Singhvi's name was unexpectedly added to the shortlist during a meeting between Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and some AICC functionaries around February 13, the Economic Times reported.

Once again, attention is drawn to the simmering tensions between CM Sukhu's supporters and those aligned with the late CM Virbhadra Singh's widow, Pratibha Singh. This situation is further complicated by increasing discontent among politically and regionally marginalised factions. The window of opportunity to prevent a confrontation appears to have closed.

More significantly, concerns were raised about CM Sukhu's leadership style, which was seen as having alienated certain legislators within the party ranks. Despite these warning signs and internal discord, the party leadership chose to maintain the status quo and abstain from making any changes before the polls. This decision stemmed from a fear of aggravating existing tensions within the party and potentially destabilising it ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

The survival of the government may depend on the willingness of dissident members within the party to reconcile, especially if Sukhu is replaced. These rebels are said to have revolted due to their dissatisfaction with the current CM, and they might consider a compromise if their grievances are addressed effectively.

Furthermore, the current political landscape in the state is marked by heightened power dynamics between the Congress and the BJP, particularly evident in the strategic manoeuvring surrounding the passage of the state finance bill. Reports suggest that under the leadership of former CM Jai Ram Thakur and state BJP leaders, the party is tactically seeking to exploit potential dissent within the Congress ranks by advocating for a division of votes during the bill's passage. While budget approvals traditionally proceed through voice votes, the BJP is leveraging the prospect of cross-voting from Congress MLAs to bolster its position.

The inability to pass the finance bill would indeed signify a lack of majority for the government, presenting a significant challenge. The Congress might opt to adjourn the session prematurely as a strategic move to sidestep a potentially unfavorable vote on the bill.

Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on February 28 suspended 15 BJP MLAs, including Leader of Opposition Thakur, and adjourned the House. They were suspended due to misbehaviour and for shouting slogans in the House.

Sukhu on February 28 clarified amid ongoing speculation about his resignation that he has not submitted any resignation. He affirmed the commitment to complete the full five-year term of the government. Additionally, he mentioned that several BJP MLAs are in contact with him and expressed readiness to confront any challenge.