Congress loses Himachal Rajya Sabha seat to BJP: What went wrong, floor test next for Sukhvinder Sukhu's govt?

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Follow Rajya Sabha Election Results 2024 LIVE Updates The BJP's victory in Himachal Pradesh makes it apparent that there was cross-voting in the Rajya Sabha elections for this seat. The Congress candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, secured 34 votes even as the party had support of 43 MLAs — 40 Congress and three Independent MLAs — in the 68-member state assembly. Had all the 43 MLAs votes in favour of Congress, Singhvi had won the polls.

But the Congress was in for a surprise. Despite having numbers to win the Rajya Sabha seat in the state, the Congress conceded defeat while alleging that nine MLAs — six from the Congress and three Independent MLAs — cross-voted in favour of the BJP. Now, if nine MLAs from the Congress' lot voted for the BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan, this makes 34 votes each for the two candidates, leading up to a tie.

Mahajan won in a unique excercise, draw of lots, which is rarely required as tie-breaker. Under the rules, a ‘parcha’ system of lots is used to break a tie in the Rajya Sabha. In a direct election, it would be a coin toss.

ALSO READ: Rajya Sabha Elections and 'cross-voting': What kept UP, Himachal and Karnataka on the edge? It is being speculated that the BJP could move no-confidence motion against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government in the state. Moreover, Sukhu alleged that “five to six" Congress and independent MLAs were “abducted" by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Haryana Police. When asked if the Himachal Pradesh BJP will demand a floor test, Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur said, "Budget will be presented tomorrow.