While BJP's top brass are strategizing for their 400 seat objective, on the flip side, Congress in Himachal Pradesh is knee-deep in internal conflicts. Heavyweights Bhupinder Hooda, DK Shivakumar, and Bhupesh Baghel are working fervently to solve Himachal's issues. The pressing question now is whether the political drama in Himachal Pradesh is far from over or if the Congress masterminds have orchestrated the perfect setup.
All day long in Shimla, Congress leaders engaged in negotiations. Observers worked tirelessly to appease Virbhadra Singh's wife Pratibha Singh and son Vikramaditya. Eventually, Pratibha Singh announced that all differences have been resolved and they are now gearing up for the next Lok Sabha elections. Amidst this, Ravi Thakur, the rebel Congress MLA who voted for a BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, stated that they voted for Harsh Mahajan because he promises to work towards Himachal's development.
In an exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak, Ravi Thakur, the rebel from Congress, shared that he voted for Harsh Mahajan knowing that Mahajan would work for the development of Himachal Pradesh. He accused the government of trying to pressure him by blocking the road to his house in Kullu. They have decided to challenge their disqualification in court. More Congress MLAs might follow in his footsteps and rebel, he hinted.
'Harsh Mahajan has worked for the people of Himachal'
Ravi Thakur mentioned that the path to his home in Manali has been blocked by the administration, and allegations are being thrown that all 6 MLAs have defected to BJP. He clarified that voting for a candidate is everyone's right. Their vote for Harsh Mahajan was attributed to his consistent work for the development of the people in Himachal Pradesh.
'A decisive moment for my political career'
On being disqualified, Ravi Thakur commented that the law against defection has been wrongly applied to them, adding that now with the route to his home closed, he's being pressured. Both Harsh Mahajan and Abhishek Manu Singhvi reached out, but he placed his trust in Mahajan. Now, he must make a pivotal decision regarding his political future, considering Congress has branded him a traitor. His continued association with Congress is uncertain.
The rebel Ravi Thakur opined that within Congress, there is neither law nor order, and a state of great confusion persists. More leaders are anticipated to revolt, as they feel harassed and discontent.
The government won't last long: Jairam Thakur
Amidst persuasions in the Congress camp, former Chief Minister and BJP leader Jairam Thakur predicted that the current government’s tenure would be short-lived. He noted that many are still displeased with the government. Addressing Ravi Thakur's claims, he accused Congress of retaliatory politics. Reflecting on the suspension of 15 MLAs from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jairam Thakur observed that the entire nation witnessed the political tumult in the 'Land of the Gods' and questioned why, despite Congress having the majority, a division board wasn't formed as per BJP's request, and why the session was abruptly adjourned.
