Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, in Shimla. (PTI)Himachal Pradesh ‘Rajya Sabha Election’ Highlights: Taking responsibility for the Congress’ loss in the Rajya Sabha polls, party observers in Himachal Pradesh DK Shivkumar and Bhupinder Singh Hooda said a six-member coordination committee will be formed to iron out differences among its ranks. Shivakumar said Shimla Rural MLA Vikramaditya Singh withdrew his resignation. He added that Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has taken the responsibility of Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi’s defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh Speaker disqualified the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in the recently-concluded Rajya Sabha Polls in the state. With this, the six MLAs cease to be members of the Himachal Vishan Sabha, the speaker Kuldeep Pathania announced. “This order is subject to judicial scrutiny…it will attain finality after judicial scrutiny,” Pathania said.
What’s happening in Himachal Pradesh: The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh faced a risk of collapse after six of its MLAs voted in favour of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh. As a result, Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi was defeated in the election for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state, resulting in BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan’s victory. Today, the party observers are expected to submit a report on the matter to party national President Mallikarjun Kharge. They spoke to the party MLAs in Shimla yesterday.
Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla during a meeting with Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Jairam Thakur, at Raj Bhavan, in Shimla, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. (PTI Photo)
Himachal political crisis over: DK Shivakumar
The political turmoil in Himachal Pradesh seems to be over with Congress' central observer DK Shivakumar Thursday announcing that all differences have been ironed out even as the assembly speaker disqualified six rebel Congress legislators over abstaining from voting on the Budget in the House.
Shivakumar also said it has been decided to form a coordination committee to sort out all internal matters and claimed the Congress government would complete its full term in the hill state.
The announcements were made at a joint press conference which was also attended by two other central observers Bhupinder Hooda and Bhupesh Baghel, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh.
PTI report
On Himachal Pradesh political crisis, Congress Pratibha Singh says
Himachal Pradesh Congress president Pratibha Singh says, "I have been saying since the start that there should be a coordination between the Congress party & the state government..."
Himachal Pradesh Live Updates: Congress party observer D K Shivakumar gives an update
Addressing the media along with party observer Bhupinder Hooda, D K Shivakumar said after one-to-one meetings with the Congress MLAs and deliberations with Sukhu and state Congress chief Pratibha Singh, differences have been ironed out.
He also said it has been decided to form a coordination committee to sort out all internal matters and no leader would go to the press.
The political crisis in Himachal Pradesh was triggered by cross-voting by six Congress MLAs in Rajya Sabha elections
The 6 Congress MLAs who have been suspended
Who are the 6 MLAs?
1) Rajinder Rana, 57 – Sujanpur MLA
2) Sudhir Sharma, 51 – Dharamshala MLA
3) Indradutt Lakhanpal, 61 – Barsar MLA
4) Ravi Thakur, 61 – Lahaul and Spiti MLA
5) Chaitanya Sharma, 29 – Gagret MLA
6) Davinder Bhutto, 50 – Kutlehar MLA
Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh reacts
When asked, Pratibha Singh about the differences sorted out, she said, "Ye mudhe ek meeting mai haal nahi hoote (these issues not resolve in one meeting)".
Even as Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a breakfast meeting with MLAs to deal with the crisis facing his government, the state Congress president Pratibha Singh and her MLA son Vikramaditya Singh continued to exert pressure on him, saying they had highlighted issues they thought "were not correct".
Shimla Rural MLA Vikramaditya Singh on his resignation
On the sideline of the press conference, Shimla Rural MLA Vikramaditya Singh, on the question of his resignation, said he will clear his stand shortly.
BJP spread rumours about my resignation: CM Sukhu
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said the BJP spread rumors about his resignation, adding that the saffron party's leaders are indulging in cheap politics.
On the question of six rebel MLAs, Sukhu said, "Anybody can make mistakes. We are still open to accept them."
Himachal Pradesh News Live: After Rajya Sabha defeat, Congress to form six-member panel to iron out differences
Taking responsibility for the Congress’ loss in the Rajya Sabha polls, party observers in Himachal Pradesh DK Shivkumar and Bhupinder Singh Hooda said a six-member coordination committee will be formed to iron out differences among its ranks. Shivakumar added that Shimla Rural MLA Vikramaditya Singh withdrew his resignation.
Himachal Pradesh News Live | Congress govt will complete 5 years: DK Shivakumar
Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, one of the Congress observers in Himachal Pradesh, assured that the party's government is safe in Himachal Pradesh.
'Natural for MLAs to be upset': Himachal Congress chief Pratibha Singh takes dig at CM
Even as Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held a breakfast meeting with MLAs to deal with the crisis facing his government, the state Congress president Pratibha Singh and her MLA son Vikramaditya Singh continued to exert pressure on him, saying they had highlighted issues they thought "were not correct".
Pratibha Singh, wife of former Himachal CM Virbhadra Singh, appeared to back the six rebel MLAs who had cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha elections, saying it was natural for MLAs to be upset. "Definitely, why not? When it has been more than a year and you take no cognizance or listen to them, it is natural for them to be upset. Had you sat them down, talked to them and found out a solution, this situation would not have occurred," Pratibha Singh said, answering a query.
Himachal Pradesh crisis LIVE: Congress observers to submit report to party prez Kharge today
As Chief Minister Sukhu's fate hangs in the balance, all eyes are on the team of Congress observers currently deployed in Himachal Pradesh. After speaking to party MLAs yesterday, they are set to submit a report on the situation unfolding in Himachal Pradesh to party President Mallikarjun Kharge today. Stay tuned for more!
Himachal Pradesh Crisis Live: Who are the 6 Congress MLAs who have been suspended?
The Sukhvinder Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh plunged into a crisis on Wednesday, a day after Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi was defeated in the election for the lone Rajya Sabha seat from the state, resulting in BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan’s victory.
Who are the 6 MLAs?
1) Rajinder Rana, 57 – Sujanpur MLA
2) Sudhir Sharma, 51 – Dharamshala MLA
3) Indradutt Lakhanpal, 61 – Barsar MLA
4) Ravi Thakur, 61 – Lahaul and Spiti MLA
5) Chaitanya Sharma, 29 – Gagret MLA
6) Davinder Bhutto, 50 – Kutlehar MLA
Know more about the MLAs in question
Himachal Pradesh Live: 'Have to prevent aaya Ram gaya Ram politics,' says Speaker
Dismissing the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted during the recently-concluded Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal, Speaker Kuldeep Pathania said he was looking to prevent 'Aya Ram gaya Ram' politics. This phrase has an interesting history. It was used most recently in the context of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's return to the NDA.
What does it mean?
The phrase “Aaya Ram, gaya Ram” (Ram came, Ram went) is generally invoked to refer to politicians, particularly when they are seen as switching party allegiances back and forth in a short period. It has its origins in one extreme example of party-switching in Haryana, in the 1960s. Here’s what happened.
JUST IN | Speaker disqualifies 6 Congress MLAs under anti-defection law
The Himachal Pradesh Speaker has disqualified the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in the recently-concluded Rajya Sabha Polls in the state. With this, the six MLAs cease to be members of the Himachal Vishan Sabha, the speaker Kuldeep Pathania announced. “This order is subject to judicial scrutiny..it will attain finality after judicial scrutiny,” Pathania said.
"The MLAs marked their attendence on both days, defied the whip twice by not being present during cut motions and financial bill/budget," Pathania said.
Congress MLAs meet at Sukhu's residence
Amid the political crisis, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu invited all his party MLAs to breakfast at his official residence, Oak Over, on Thursday.
Over 20 MLAs, along with Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, have arrived at the official residence. Sources indicate that party observers, including former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivkumar, will also engage with party MLAs today.
Congress MLAs, speaking to the media before entering Oak Over, asserted that their government is stable, and there is no discussion about changing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Meanwhile, the six rebel MLAs, who engaged in cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha MP election in favor of BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan, were reportedly not invited. Congress MLA Sanjay Awasthi stated, "CM Sukhu invited all party MLAs.
"I believe the six MLAs who engaged in cross-voting have no place in the party. There is no question of inviting them." MLA Kuldeep Rathore remarked, "Yesterday, the state budget was passed with a full majority. BJP should apologize to the people of Himachal Pradesh. The Sukhu government enjoys a full majority. Congress observers will interact with MLAs in closed-door sessions." Heavy police was deputed around the CM residence to maintain law and order situation.
CM Sukhu calls for meeting of all Congress MLAs today
With the Congress central leadership scrambling to avert a crisis in Himachal Pradesh after an embarrassing defeat in the recently-concluded Rajya Sabha polls, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Such has called all party MLAs for a breakfast meeting this morning in Shimla.
Six Congress MLAs who cross voted for BJP candidate flown back to Panchkula
The six Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs, who cross-voted for BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan during the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday, were flown back to Panchkula after they appeared for hearing on a petition on anti-defection law before Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania.
These MLAs, namely Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Ravi Thakur, Inder Dutt lakhanpal, Chetanya Sharma and Divender Kumar (Bhutto), who had left for Panchkula after voting on Tuesday, had returned to Shimla on Wednesday morning and left before the central Congress observers reached Shimla.
The six Congress MLAs along with three independents had reached Himachal Pradesh Assembly and were greeted with thumping and slogans by the BJP MLAs.
Won’t press for resignation till dialogue and action of Cong observers is not complete, says Vikramaditya Singh
Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh told reporters that he won't be pressing his resignation for now. His resignation following Rajya Sabha poll results on Tuesday created panic among the Congress ranks in the state.
Here is what he said:
At centre of Himachal Rajya Sabha storm is a ‘gentleman’ leader — and a Virbhadra Singh loyalist
The BJP’s Harsh Mahajan, 68, who pulled off a major upset to win the lone vacant Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha seat on Tuesday, defeating Congress heavyweight Abhishek Manu Singhvi, picked up the political ropes from his father Des Raj Mahajan, a former Vidhan Sabha Speaker and Congress minister.
Having spent over four decades in the Congress, it was in September 2022 that Harsh Mahajan had joined the BJP. The Congress working president at the time said he was quitting, as the Congress had become “visionless, directionless and leaderless”.
Read the full story here
Himachal Pradesh News Live: Navjot Sidhu calls for assessment of party's 'assets, liabilities'
As the Congress faces a crisis in Himachal Pradesh after a humiliating defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls, party leader Navjot Singh Sidhu called for an assessment of the party's "assets and liabilities".
The former Punjab unit president said the Rajya Sabha poll defeat was not just of the party candidate but had "larger" implications.
Watch | Will run government for five years, says CM Sukhu
Congress will resolve Himachal crisis very soon: Sachin Pilot
As the Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh faces threat, Congress leader Sachin Pilot expressed hope that the party will resolve the political crisis in the hill state very soon.
Pilot also targeted the BJP-led government at the Centre and said it failed in tackling rising inflation and unemployment. "Our party has appointed observers in Himachal Pradesh...they will talk to everyone and hopefully the matter will be resolved very soon," he told reporters in Sikar.
Himachal Pradesh News Live: Congress observers arrive in Shimla
Himachal Pradesh News Live: 6 'rebel' MLAs appear before Speaker, argue not given annexure
The six Congress MLAs, who were issued show-cause notice for defying the whip for Rajya Sabha polls, appeared before the Speaker along with their lawyer and argued that they had not been provided all the relevant documents.
Senior advocate Satya Pal Jain, who represented the six Congress MLAs before the Speaker, argued that they were only given the notice and the copy of the petition filed on Tuesday evening while other annexure were not supplied to them. Jain said according to rules, seven days' time has to be given to the MLAs for filing the reply the copy of the petition is supplied to them.
Himachal Pradesh News Live: I don't take pressure, Vikramaditya Singh on his resignation
Congress' Vikramaditya Singh, who resigned from the CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led cabinet, told ANI that he doesn't take pressure, but gives it. His statement came in response to queries on the lack of response on his resignation.
Himachal Pradesh News Live: Budget session concludes day ahead of schedule
Before being adjourned sine die, Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha passed the budget for 2024-25 and related Appropriation Bill authorising the government to spend Rs 6,24,21.73 crore from the consolidated fund.
The Vidhan Sabha was adjourned a day ahead of schedule as political scenario changed dramatically after defeat of Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi in Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday and announcement of resignation by Public works minister Vikramaditya Singh from Sukhu cabinet.
The budget was presented on February 17, 2024 by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who also holds the finance portfolio. Discussions on the budget were held for four days from February 19 to 22
Watch | BJP can't take away people's mandate, says Jairam Ramesh
Addressing reporters, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the BJP cannot take away the people's mandate in Himachal Pradesh through its "Operation Lotus". He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief J P Nadda were rejected by the voters of the hill state in the last assembly elections.
The Congress has dispatched three senior observers -- Bhupesh Baghel, Bhupinder Singh Hooda and D K Shivakumar -- to Shimla.
Himachal Pradesh Assembly session adjourned sine die
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly session was adjourned sine die after the budget was passed by voice vote, even as not a single BJP member remained in attendance.
Third political crisis in an Oppn-led state within a month
As six Congress MLAs, who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha polls on Tuesday went missing, only to return to Shimla the next day from an 'undisclosed location', the scenario in Himachal Pradesh is the third instance of political uncertainty within just two months of 2024.
Earlier in February, the ruling Mahagathbandhan or the grand alliance effectively ended in Bihar, as CM Nitish Kumar ended ties with Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress. Kumar then secured an alliance with the BJP, resigned from his post, and the new alliance won the trust vote in the state Assembly.
Questions on the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha government's future arose as then CM Hemant Soren submitted his resignation moments before his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate in a land scam case. JMM leader and Hemant Soren loyalist Champai Soren won the trust vote in the Jharkhand Assembly.
BJP wants to 'crush' people's mandate: Priyanka Gandhi
Party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra alleged that the BJP wants to "crush" people's mandate by misusing money power and probe agencies.
"The people of Himachal used this right (to vote) and formed the Congress government with a clear majority. But the BJP wants to crush this right of the people of Himachal by misusing the money power, power of agencies and its power of the Centre," Priyanka Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
Budget passes as BJP MLAs stage walkout
The Himachal Pradesh budget was passed in the Assembly on Wednesday as the BJP MLAs staged a walkout over the suspension of their fellow legislators. The Congress government has been fighting for its survival since its shock defeat in the Rajya Sabha polls yesterday
BJP MLAs stage walkout from Assembly in protest against suspension of fellow legislators
After suspension of 15 BJP MLAs, the remaining 10 legislators of the party staged a walkout from the Assembly in protest. Addressing reporters, BJP MLA Satpal Satti said, “There is no doubt that the Budget will get passed, but [Congress] government will not survive.”
He claimed that had there been voting, at least 15 MLAs would have voted against the Budget. On if Vikramaditya Singh was in touch with the BJP, Satti said, “The government did not provide land to put up the statue of Virbhadra Singh at Mall Road. They disrespected him. Had it been our (BJP) government, we would have allotted the land in the first month itself. Now, it is for Vikramadityaji to take a call where he has to go.”
'No one has asked for my resignation... we will prove our majority': Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
Speaking to reporters, Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu asserted that no one has asked for his resignation, nor has he offered to quit.
"We will prove the majority. We will win, the people of Himachal will win," he said.
'Modi govt has only one guarantee... topple Congress govt. We won't let this happen': Jairam Ramesh
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asserted that the party's priority was to save its government in Himachal Pradesh.
"Right now, our priority is to save our Congress government because the Congress party had received a clear mandate in December 2022. The people of Himachal Pradesh had rejected the PM, Jagat Prakash Nadda, Anurag Thakur, and Jairam Thakur. The mandate was for the Congress party. So, this mandate should be respecte," he said.
"The Modi government has just one guarantee -- topple all Congress Governments. We will not let this happen," he added.
The party has also asked the oberservers to speak to all MLAs in the state and prepare a comprehensive report on the crisis.
Amid reports that Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has offered to resign, CM says 'haven't quit, will keep fighting'
After reports that Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has offered to quit, the Himachal Chief Minister said, “I haven’t offered any resignation. I am a warrior, will keep fighting.” He asserted that the Congress party will remain in power in the state for five years.
The Congress Legislative Party is set to meet this evening.
Himachal Pradesh crisis Live Updates: Bhupinder Singh Hooda, DK Shivakumar rush to Shimla for damage control
Senior Congress leaders Bhupinder Singh Hooda and DK Shivakumar were rushed to Shimla on Wednesday to take charge of the situation as trouble brews within the party.
This video by ANI shows Hooda leaving from Chandigarh to Shimla.
'Will overcome present crisis': Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat
Reacting to the internal discord in Congress in Himachal Pradesh, senior party leader Harish Rawat said, "The Congress workers, leaders have been working (in Himachal Pradesh) under two great legacies of - YS Parmar and Virbhadra Singh. We will overcome the present crisis and will together run the government."
Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha elections: Congress MLAs who cross-voted arrive at Assembly
The Congress MLAs who voted for the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections on Tuesday arrived at the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday morning.
The House was adjourned till 12 pm after chaos, which saw 15 BJP MLAs getting suspended.
What Vikramaditya Singh did is absolutely correct: BJP's Harsh Mahajan
A day after he claimed victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, BJP's Harsh Mahajan supported Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh's decision to resign from his post in the Council of Ministers.
"I saw his press conference. What he said in the press conference is absolutely correct. I agree with it 100%. He is the son of Virbhadra Singh and is a youth icon in Himachal. The way he narrated in the press conference - how he was humiliated, how his father was humiliated - what options he had? What he did, did on moral grounds and is absolutely correct," Mahajan said.
'Through money BJP can topple govts... buy MLAS': Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut hit out at the BJP, saying that they use money and central agencies to topple governments.
"What else can BJP do? BJP through money, power, and agencies can do this only. They can topple governments and buy MLAs. This happened in both Himachal and Uttar Pradesh," Raut said.
Watch | Security tightened outside Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha
With 15 BJP MLAs suspended from the Assembly and the Congress government facing internal discord, security was tightened outside the Vidhan Sabha, PTI reported.
'Congress govt is toppling... BJP will form govt here': BJP's winning Rajya Sabha candidate Harsh Mahajan
A day after he claimed victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, BJP's Harsh Mahajan said, "Congress has dismantled from here. All the attempts they make now will fail. BJP will form the government here."
Speaking about the suspension of 15 BJP MLAs, Mahajan said, "Congress government is toppling. So such attempts are being made -- to suspend them. These are delay tactics and are followed in every Vidhan Sabha."
He claimed that he has the support of the six Congress MLAs who cross-voted and the three Independents.
‘MLAs humiliated by govt’: What all has Vikramaditya Singh said?
Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh resigned from the council of ministers Wednesday, alleging that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-government had “humiliated its own legislators several times”.
Addressing reporters, Vikramaditya said that the “humiliation won’t be tolerated”. “Now the party’s high command has to decide where Congress is headed next in Himachal. We want the government to survive as the people of the state have voted for it,” he added. Read more
BJP MLAs suspended from Himachal Assembly: Who are they?
The 15 BJP MLAs who have been suspended from the Assembly are:
Jai Ram Thakur, 14 other BJP MLAs suspended from Assembly
As many as 15 BJP MLAs, including the Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Assembly Jai Ram Thakur, were suspended from the House by the Speaker on Wednesday morning.
According to news agency ANI, the MLAs were suspended for "allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Chamber of Speaker today."
Earlier in the day, Thakur had met the Governor and expressed apprehension that the Speaker would suspend BJP MLAs to prevent a division of votes and facilitate the passage of the Budget.
'Essential to purge party of those who prioritize personal gain over collective good': Navjot Singh Sidhu
Reacting to the developments in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu hit out at "masqueraders" who are "dancing to the tune" of central agencies.
"The Himachal fiasco calls for an assessment of assets and liabilities for The Grand Old Party ??? …. “Masqueraders” on plum posts covertly dancing to the tunes of agencies like CBI, ED and IT have spelt dooms day for us many a times," Sidhu said.
"It is essential to purge the party of those who prioritize personal gain over the collective good, for their actions inflict profound wounds on the party’s very existence," he said in a post on X.
After resignation, Vikramaditya Singh says: 'Will decide future course of action after discussion'
When asked if he would continue to stay in the Congress party after tendering his resignation from the council of ministers, Vikramaditya Singh said, "In the times to come, I will hold due discussions and deliberations with my people, supporters, and well-wishers. After due discussions, we will take the future course of action."
Watch | Six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in Rajya Sabha polls fly back to Shimla
The six Congress MLAs who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha polls -- namely, Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Chaitanya Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Davinder Kumar Bhutto, and Ravi Thakur -- were flown back to Shimla on Wednesday morning from Haryana's Panchkula.
‘Congress has lost the mandate’: Himachal LoP Jai Ram Thakur meets Governor
Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly Jai Ram Thakur Wednesday met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla amid speculation that the BJP might bring in a no-confidence motion against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government.
“Congress is frustrated now… their government is in trouble not because of us but because of their own deeds,” Thakur told reporters after the meeting.
The BJP leader also said the party is apprehensive that the “Speaker may suspend our MLAs from the house today to avoid division of votes”.
BJP demands Sukhu government should step down after loss in Rajya Sabha polls
The BJP pulled off an upset by defeating the Congress’s Abhishek Manu Singhvi in the Rajya Sabha elections because of cross-voting by six of the party’s MLAs. While the BJP called on the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government to step down, saying it had “lost the mandate and trust”, the CM dismissed the claim.
The BJP’s Harsh Mahajan, a former Congress leader, won the election in a draw of slips after both he and Singhvi polled 34 votes each in the 68-member Assembly.
Congress MLAs Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Chaitanya Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Davinder Kumar Bhutto, and Ravi Thakur, and Independent legislators Ashish Sharma, K L Thakur, and Hoshyar Singh voted for Mahajan.
State BJP president Rajeev Bindal told reporters, “They have no right to remain in power."
Congress’s Vikramaditya Singh resigns from council of ministers
Congress MLA Vikramaditya Singh announced his resignation from the council of ministers on Wednesday morning, alleging that the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-government “humiliated its own MLAs several times”.
Saying that the “humiliation won’t be tolerated,” Vikramaditya added, “Now the party high command has to decide where Congress is headed next in Himachal”. "We want that government should be saved as people voted for it," he said.
He said that though they supported the government led by Sukhu in every possible manner, he was humiliated. "The man who lived for Himachal Virbhadra Singh was humiliate. Is this how much they respect my father?" he said.