Himachal Pradesh Congress MLA Dismisses CM's Kidnapping Claims

Congress MLA Ravi Thakur has dismissed claims made by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu alleging that several party legislators were abducted. Thakur asserted his right to travel freely and confirmed his presence in Haryanas Panchkula.

Chandigarh, February 27: Congress MLA Ravi Thakur on Tuesday refuted Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's allegations that some party legislators were abducted. Thakur asserted his freedom to travel anywhere, referencing his visit to Panchkula in Haryana.

Sukhu's Allegations and Polling

Sukhu made the kidnapping claims in Shimla nearly three hours after the conclusion of polling for the lone Rajya Sabha seat in Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that five to six Congress MLAs were forcibly taken away by the CRPF and the Haryana Police.

MLAs' Presence in Panchkula

Reports indicate that nine MLAs, including Ravi Thakur, Rajinder Rana, and four other Congress legislators, arrived at the PWD Guest House in Panchkula. Later, they were reportedly moved to a hotel.

Video Clip Surfaces

A video clip circulating online purportedly shows some Himachal MLAs in several cars outside a government guesthouse in Panchkula, Haryana. This scenario resembles past instances of "resort politics," where a political party isolates MLAs to prevent them from voting for the opposing side.

Thakur's Response

Speaking to reporters outside the guest house in Panchkula, Thakur dismissed the kidnapping claims, stating that he was simply enjoying his personal time and had the freedom to go wherever he pleased.

Floor Test in Himachal Assembly

When asked about the possibility of a floor test in the Himachal assembly, Thakur emphasized that he supported Harsh Mahajan in the interest of Himachal Pradesh and Lahaul and Spiti, aiming to secure more budget from the Centre.

BJP's Rajya Sabha Victory

In a surprising turn of events, the BJP emerged victorious in the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal Pradesh, with its candidate Harsh Mahajan defeating Congress stalwart Abhishek Manu Singhvi. This outcome sets the stage for a potential no-trust motion in the assembly.

Tie and Draw of Lots

The voting resulted in a tie, with both the Congress and BJP candidates receiving 34 votes. This indicated that at least six Congress MLAs voted against their party. Consequently, the result was determined through a draw of lots, as per officials.

Assembly Composition

In the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly, the Congress holds 40 seats, while the BJP has 25. The remaining three seats are occupied by independent MLAs.

Ravi Thakur's denial of kidnapping allegations and his assertion of personal freedom add another layer to the ongoing political drama in Himachal Pradesh. As the state navigates the aftermath of the Rajya Sabha polls and the possibility of a floor test, the actions and decisions of the MLAs will shape the future political landscape of the region.