Shimla, May 14
Politics in Himachal is taking an intricately interesting turn with the matter of the resignation of independent MLAs being struck in a legal fight on one side, while on the other, the biggest allegation from the Congress is that the saffron front wanted to topple the government with the help of money power. On the third side, no BJP leader is saying anything on the issue of independents.
Curiously, BJP leaders remain conspicuously silent on the matter of independents, maintaining a detached stance that fuels speculation. The state leadership’s hesitance contrasts sharply with Congress’s efforts to pivot the entire election discourse around the issue.
It’s apparent that both the State government and Congress preferred that the by-elections for independents not coincide with the Lok Sabha polls, a goal seemingly achieved by the grand old party. However, this success raises speculations about the BJP’s next move.
Throughout this episode, from the Rajya Sabha cross-voting to the independents’ resignation, the BJP’s active involvement is evident. Yet, their silence and subsequent alliance with the independents raise eyebrows. Why resign and then join BJP when they could have continued supporting the party independently, avoiding scrutiny under the Anti-defection law? Congress Minister JS Negi’s allegation that the Leader of the Opposition was present during their resignation adds weight to these questions.
Coincidentally, both Anurag and Nadda hail from the same Hamirpur parliamentary constituency as the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. This constituency has been a hotbed of rebellion in Congress, with several expelled members and independents emerging from the area, all of whom BJP has fielded as election candidates. This suggests BJP’s deeper involvement in the Congress rebellion aimed at toppling the government, feel political analysts.
As being speculated in political circles Harsh Mahajan may have spearheaded the operation, but its abrupt halt likely troubles the BJP’s central leadership more than the state. It’s doubtful that such efforts were solely for a Rajya Sabha seat, as suggested by leftist leaders. Congress sympathizers believe the state government was the real target.
It remains to be seen how BJP will counter the legal maneuvers that have stalled the independents’ case. The Chief Minister’s claims of impending arrests and the opposition’s promises of government change can only add to the intrigue. In the days ahead, whose assertions will hold true remains to be seen.
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