SHIMLA: In a stunning upset for the Sukhu government, BJP's Harsh Mahajan emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha elections, defeating Congress stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi, despite BJP has 25 MLAs while Congress has 40.
Both Mahajan and Singhvi were polled 34 votes each in the 68 members Vidhan sabha.
The Election Commission of India's decision to determine the result by draw ultimately favored Mahajan, sealing his victory and dealing a major blow to the ruling Congress Government.
Tensions ran high in the Vidhan Sabha as opposition BJP raised a clamor with slogans, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
However, the climax of the high-voltage election unfolded when six Congress MLAs crossed party lines, delivering an unexpected setback to the Sukhu camp.
The spectacle intensified as independent MLAs, including one hospitalized, were airlifted to Shimla under the escort of Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh, ensuring their crucial votes in support of the Congress government.
Amidst the chaos, estranged Congress MLAs, led by Sudhir Sharma and Rajinder Rana, remained defiant against the party's high command, further fracturing the unity within the Congress ranks.
There were reports all the Six MLAs were escorted to Panchkula and BJP was planning for a no confidence motion against the Sukhu government as the part of the BJP's strategy.
Congress high command committed a blunder by fielding Singhvi, an outsider as Tribals along with other Congress leaders were eyeing the Rajya Sabha seat as Himachal has just three Rajya Sabha seats and four Lok Sabha seats.
The BJP managed to punch holes into the Congress disenchanted camp who were openly declaring their dissent in the public domain. All that followed is there to see for the Congress.
As the dust settles, the Sukhu government faces a reckoning, grappling with the fallout of this significant defeat and the looming specter of further political unrest as BJP has managed to barge into the disenchanted Congress Camp.
BJP Celebrates Historic Victory as Harsh Mahajan Clinches Rajya Sabha Seat
In a jubilant atmosphere at the BJP Pradesh Office, the party's State President, Dr. Rajeev Bindal, along with opposition leader Jairam Thakur, Pradesh Mahamantri Bihari Lal Sharma, Trilok Kapoor, Sikandar Kumar, and all BJP MLAs extended hearty congratulations to their Rajya Sabha candidate, Harsh Mahajan, on his resounding victory.
Leader of Opposition Jai RamThakur, expressing his elation, remarked that this victory marks a historic moment for Himachal Pradesh, where each party received an equal 34 votes, and yet, victory was secured based on a draw—a moment of triumph.
Mahajan conveyed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Amit Shah, and National President Jagat Prakash Nadda for their unwavering support.
Dr. Bindal stated that the entire state is engulfed in a wave of joy, with BJP workers' morale soaring high due to this significant win.
The celebration of victory extended to the BJP Pradesh Office, where under the leadership of Pradesh Mahamantri Bihari Lal, fireworks illuminated the sky, symbolizing the euphoria surrounding Harsh Mahajan's triumph.
