Congress averts crisis in Himachal for now, top leaders rush to quell rebellion

The Congress averted a crisis in Himachal Pradesh after Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania expelled 15 legislators from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), helping the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government maintain majority in the Assembly.

The MLAs, including the Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, were expelled immediately after the budget session began for allegedly shouting slogans and misconduct in the Speaker's Chamber. The remaining 10 BJP MLAs walked out in protest.

The state Budget was then passed through voice vote and the House adjourned sine die.

The ruling Congress' majority on the floor was under threat after it lost the sole Rajya Sabha seat from the state to BJP, owing to cross-voting by its members.

The six rebel MLAs, who have yet to officially join the BJP, were issued show-cause notice for defying the whip. They appeared before the Speaker on Wednesday and asserted that the anti-defection law does not apply to voting in Rajya Sabha polls. They've sought a week's time to file a reply.

Congress, meanwhile, has rushed Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to Shimla to salvage the situation. A key strategist for the party, Shivakumar will seek to placate the rebels who are said to be "disappointed" with the working style of Chief Minister Sukhu.

Accusing the BJP of horse-trading, the veteran leader expressed confidence that the Congress legislators would remain loyal to the party.

In another relief for the Congress, Vikramaditya Singh, who had resigned as a minister in the Himachal Pradesh cabinet, has decided not to 'press for it' till discussions with party leaders are over.

"We have talked to the observers. We have informed them about the present situation. I will not press my resignation until a decision is taken," the son of 6-time Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh said.

Chief Minister Sukhu rejected Singh's resignation and is trying to placate him. "Vikramaditya Singh is my younger brother and I have spoken to him," said Sukhu.

The CM also hinted that his party would forgive the rebel MLAs. "We are forgiving people. We do not work vindictively," he said.

Congress has bought some time to get its house in order in Himachal Pradesh. However, it remains to be seen if the government will survive a full 5-year term in the hill state, and whether Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will remain at its helm.