Shimla, Mar 20
The Supreme Court’s issuance of notices to all involved parties regarding the rebels’ petition, with a final decision deadline set for May 6, sparks intriguing considerations for both the Congress and BJP. The uncertainty of potential by-elections in these rebel-held territories looms until the May 6 verdict. Should their expulsion be rescinded, they could be reinstated as Congress members, potentially altering the government’s dynamics.
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In this context, the BJP’s political gains come under scrutiny, despite the widely publicized association of the entire affair with the BJP. With the Supreme Court refraining from staying the rebels’ expulsion, both parties find themselves in a limbo until May 6.
The looming question remains: how actively will both parties engage in preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections until then? The prospect of by-elections remains a possibility, with the BJP’s current dominance being a significant factor. The BJP appears confident of securing victories in these six constituencies, hence it is being anticipated they will opt for the by-election route.
To facilitate this, withdrawing the petition from these individuals may pave the way for electoral processes. It’s anticipated that by withdrawing the petition, the BJP will integrate these six individuals into its fold, bolstering their standing within the party. Unlike the Congress, discipline within the BJP ensures adherence to party directives, minimizing the likelihood of dissent among workers and leaders.
The ongoing developments in Himachal Pradesh are widely perceived as BJP-backed, further emphasizing the stakes involved. Failure to arrange for the respectful reintegration of Congress rebels could tarnish the BJP’s reputation and potentially influence electoral outcomes. Conversely, respectful accommodation could exacerbate tensions within the Congress, potentially leading to internal disruptions.
Though the answer lies only in the lap of time, but, critics speculate that within the next few days, the rebels will be formally incorporated into the BJP ranks, paving the way for the withdrawal of the petition from the Supreme Court thereafter.
