Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh, reportedly tendered his resignation following the tumultuous events surrounding the recent Rajya Sabha elections. The Congress party lost its solitary seat in the state due to allegations of cross-voting, prompting calls for a floor test by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Adding to the partys woes, Vikramaditya Singh, the son of the late CM Virbhadra Singh, also resigned from his position, exacerbating the internal strife within the Congress ranks.Allegations Against the Chief MinisterVikramaditya Singh accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of disrespecting MLAs and tarnishing the legacy of his late father, Virbhadra Singh, a revered figure within the party. The escalating tensions set the stage for a potential no-confidence motion against the Sukhu government, with discontent brewing among Congress members.Cross-Voting DilemmaDespite Congresss numerical advantage in the assembly, the Rajya Sabha elections witnessed a shocking turn of events as six Congress MLAs defected, resulting in BJPs candidate, Harsh Mahajan, clinching victory. The cross-voting MPs, along with three Independent legislators, expressed dissatisfaction with Sukhus leadership, signalling a brewing revolt within the party ranks.Intervention Efforts by AICCIn an attempt to quell the dissent, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) dispatched senior leaders, D K Shivkumar from Karnataka and Bhupinder Hooda, former CM of Haryana, to engage with the dissidents. However, reports suggest that dialogue efforts were stalled until Sukhus replacement was assured.Controversial TiebreakerAmidst the electoral deadlock, BJP raised objections over alleged electoral misconduct, particularly the transportation of an ailing Congress MLA to the polling venue via a government-owned helicopter. Following legal deliberations, a draw of lots was conducted to determine the victor, with BJPs Mahajan emerging triumphant.Resort Retreat Amid AllegationsThe nine Congress rebels, including the six cross-voting MLAs, retreated to a resort in Shimla before relocating to Panchkula under CRPF escort. Sukhu decried the episode as an assault on democracy, alleging coercion by security forces. However, opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur refuted the claims, highlighting the Congress MLAs voluntary departure from the state.The political upheaval in Himachal Pradesh underscores the fragility of the Congress government, exacerbated by internal discord and allegations of electoral malpractice. As the state grapples with leadership uncertainty, the resignation of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu marks a tumultuous chapter in Himachals political landscape.
