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This is an archive article published on March 1, 2024

Congress staves off crisis in Himachal for now, 6 rebels disqualified

Following the disqualifications, the effective strength of the House has reduced from 68 to 62, with the Congress count at 34. The BJP has 25 MLAs.

Congress, himachal rebels disqualified, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Virbhadra Singh, Himachal RS polls, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal Assembly, rajya sabha elections, Indian express news, current affairsHimachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and state party president Pratibha Singh in Shimla on Thursday. (ANI)

THE CRISIS that gripped the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh following cross-voting by six of its MLAs in the Rajya Sabha election on Tuesday seems to have blown over for now.

All six MLAs were disqualified under the anti-defection law on Thursday for defying the party whip to remain present at the time of voting on the cut motion on the Budget. One of the rebel MLAs said they would approach the Supreme Court.

Following the disqualifications, the effective strength of the House has reduced from 68 to 62, with the Congress count at 34. The BJP has 25 MLAs.

After a day of meetings between AICC observers and state party leaders, the Congress leadership decided to set up a six-member coordination committee, tasked with ironing out the differences within the state unit. The committee includes both Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and state party president Pratibha Singh, who addressed a joint press conference with AICC observers at the CM’s official residence in the evening.

The truce, however, appear tenuous, as sources in the central leadership underlined that the crisis for the government, and especially Sukhu, seems to be over “only for the time being”.

Pratibha Singh and her son Vikramaditya Singh have reluctantly agreed to the central leadership’s decision to set up the committee, but are far from happy, sources said. AICC observer D K Shivakumar said Vikramaditya Singh, son of former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, who had resigned from the Cabinet on Wednesday, had “withdrawn his resignation”.

A large section of the high command believes that Sukhu does not inspire confidence among a large number of MLAs, which is a matter of concern. He, however, continues to enjoy the support of Rahul Gandhi. According to sources, the Himachal affair will be discussed once Rahul is back from abroad on Friday.

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On Thursday, however, Shivakumar, who was present at the press conference in Shimla along with Bhupinder Singh Hooda, assured that “there will be a Congress government in the state, and Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is our Chief Minister”. Announcing the decision to set up a six-member committee, he said Sukhu took responsibility for the defeat of the Congress’s official candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, following cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha election.

“The party is saddened by this loss. In this defeat, we lost an excellent leader, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. However, we have resolved our differences within the party, and a six-member committee will be formed. CM Sukhu and state Congress president Pratibha Singh will be members of this committee,” Shivakumar said.

“I accept it could be an intelligence failure, but it is also my failure. If they (the six rebel MLAs) wish to return, the Congress is ready to welcome them back. The challenge is how to contact them, as their phones are switched off. We are in contact with the wives of two of the MLAs,” Sukhu said.

“The high command has decided to form a six-member committee to address differences. The Congress was united and remains united. Our primary goal now is to secure a victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Himachal,” Pratibha Singh said.

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Targeting the BJP, Sukhu said: “Right before the Budget Session, the BJP spread rumors about my resignation, affecting the voting of Congress MLAs. I want to say that the BJP is engaging in cheap politics. I don’t know on what grounds they are talking about forming a government in Himachal Pradesh.”

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape. Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis. The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage. Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting. Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics. National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections. Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum. Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital. Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief. Find all stories by Manoj C G here. ... Read More

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