In the midst of political turmoil, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of Himachal Pradesh remains resolute in his assertion that the Congress party will triumph in all six Assembly seats up for by-elections. Allegations fly as he accuses the BJP of engaging in underhanded tactics, seeking to entice Congress members with monetary and material incentives.
This declaration follows closely on the heels of six Congress MLAs defecting to the BJP, leaving the party in disarray. Among these rebels stands former Himachal Pradesh MLA Sudhir Sharma, whose decision to join the BJP has stirred controversy, particularly concerning the absence of a memorial for the late Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh. Despite these setbacks, Sukhu maintains a façade of confidence.
“We are fully prepared for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Congress shall emerge victorious in all six Assembly seats,” asserts the Chief Minister. The by-election arises following the resignation of six Congress MLAs, paving the way for their entry into the BJP ranks.
Furthermore, Sukhu contends that the BJP’s nomination of all six Congress defectors as candidates for the by-elections substantiates claims of unethical practices during the Rajya Sabha elections. Addressing attendees at his official residence in Shimla on his birthday, Sukhu expresses optimism regarding the Congress party’s prospects in both Parliamentary and Assembly elections within the state.
“This blatant act only serves to underscore their involvement in illicit dealings within Himachal Pradesh. Despite their attempts to destabilize our government through financial means, divine intervention has thwarted their efforts. The people of our state shall rebuke such deceitful politics, as evidenced by their betrayal of public trust. On June 1st, justice shall prevail,” declares CM Sukhu.
Congress Faces Ticket Conundrum
Pratibha Singh, President of the Himachal Pradesh Congress, discloses that decisions regarding ticket allocation will be deferred pending consultations with party leadership during a gathering in the national capital on April 5th and 6th. Emphasizing the need for swift action, Singh asserts, “Following today’s Coordination Committee meeting, where senior leaders convened, it is imperative that the high command expedites its decision on ticket distribution. We must promptly field our candidates to secure victory.” She further elaborates on discussions pertaining to potential candidates during the meeting.
“Deliberations centered on identifying suitable candidates. Another meeting has been scheduled for April 5th and April 6th in Delhi, where our inputs will be presented to the high command for their consideration,” adds Singh.
Additionally, Singh notes the presence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, and other senior party members at the meeting. The ruling Congress has yet to unveil its candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the state. With elections looming for the four Lok Sabha seats in Himachal Pradesh and the concurrent by-elections for six assembly constituencies vacated by the defection of six rebel Congress MLAs to the BJP, the political landscape remains tumultuous.
