With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections drawing near, the Himachal Pradesh unit of the Congress party has suffered a significant setback. On Saturday, six rebel MLAs from the Congress party made a decisive move by joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Adding to the blow, three independent candidates also aligned themselves with the BJP today.
These six rebel MLAs were previously suspended by the Speaker for supporting Harsh Mahajan, the BJP candidate, during the Rajya Sabha polls. Despite their efforts to seek relief through legal channels, they found no respite. Today, at 12:30 pm, these MLAs officially joined the BJP, ahead of the crucial Lok Sabha elections. Sources suggest that one of them may be elevated to a higher level within the party.
The notable figures among the joining MLAs include Chaitanya Sharma from Gagret, Davinder Bhutto from Kutlehar, Vikramaditya Singh from Shimla Rural, Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, Sudhir Sharma from Dharamshala, and Indradutt Lakhanpal from Barsar. Additionally, the independent candidates include Hoshyar Singh from Dehra, KL Thakur from Nalagarh, and Ashish Sharma from Hamirpur.
Expressing his reasons for the move, MLA Sudhir Sharma stated, “What’s the point of being an MLA if we cannot fulfill the promises made to our people? That is why we openly supported Harsh Mahajan during the Rajya Sabha elections. Today, we have joined the BJP on our own accord. When one’s self-respect is compromised and there’s no one to listen, it’s time to move on.”
Similarly, MLA Davinder Kumar Bhutto emphasized the decision to join BJP was driven by the aspiration to contribute to the state’s development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He clarified that they seek no positions but have joined as dedicated party workers. Bhutto also criticized the Congress party for neglecting its workers and elected members, expressing confidence that the Himachal Pradesh government will soon face collapse.
This move marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Himachal Pradesh, with the BJP gaining notable strength while the Congress party faces a substantial loss. The impact of this development is likely to reverberate as the state braces itself for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, setting the stage for intense political competition and strategic maneuvering in the region.
Comments