In the grip of a political tug-of-war, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu claims to be a warrior, determined to complete his five-year tenure, even as strategizing to save the government intensifies from Shimla to Delhi. The news of Vikramaditya Singh withdrawing his resignation emerged, sparking speculations that perhaps the Sukhu government's crisis would be averted.
Despite Vikramaditya's about-face on resignation, efforts to appease and deliberate over all options continue, amidst all of this, a breakfast at the CM's house further scrambled the Sukhu government's calculations.
Straying from the party line, six Congress MLAs had voted for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Harsh Mahajan. The Speaker took action against these rebels, rendering them disqualified from the assembly membership.
While on one hand, decisive action occurs; on another, Congress is actively seeking conversation to resolve the crisis. Four legislators, including Vikramaditya, have now steered clear of CM Sukhu's breakfast politics. Congress invited all its MLAs for breakfast at the CM's house amidst worsening number games in Himachal.
It is reported that four Congress MLAs – Vikramaditya Singh, Mohan Lal, Nand Lal, and Dhaniram – kept their distance from the breakfast organized at the CM's house, thus did not attend.
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Within 48 hours of the cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections, the Speaker has acted against the six MLAs, deeming them ineligible for assembly membership. Consequently, the strength of the house now falls to 62, setting the majority mark at 32.
Read more: Vikramaditya refuses to back down, CM Sukhu not ready to resign, a dilemma for Congress... Can the party save Himachal's government?
Considering yesterday's scenario, even after removing the six dissenters and one Vikramaditya, Congress had 33 MLAs and seemed to be above the majority mark post-disqualification proceedings. But now with three legislators avoiding the breakfast at CM's house, the math is once again in disarray.
Read more: With Vikramaditya's resignation stalled, the number game entangles Sukhu government, as Congress high command scrambles for damage control... What's next for Himachal?
Taking into account those who skipped the breakfast, the Sukhu government currently commands 30 MLAs which is two short of the revised majority requirement of 32 amidst the altered circumstances.
