Haryana Congress Levels Bribery Allegations Against BJP on Rajya Sabha Poll Eve
In a dramatic turn of events just one day before the crucial Rajya Sabha elections in Haryana, the Congress party has made serious accusations against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The Congress alleged on Sunday that senior BJP leaders attempted to bribe some of its Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to sway their votes in the high-stakes contest for two Rajya Sabha seats.
Congress Files Police Complaint in Himachal Pradesh
The party stated that it has formally lodged a complaint with the Himachal Pradesh police, where its MLAs are currently stationed ahead of the polling. This election has evolved into a significant prestige battle between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in the state.
Haryana Congress general secretary in-charge BK Hariprasad publicly leveled these allegations, asserting, "The BJP has tried to bribe some of our MLAs to cast their vote in its favour. Some key BJP leaders have spoken to our MLAs and are pressuring them. We have given our complaint to the Himachal police." However, he declined to provide specific details, adding that more information would be shared once a First Information Report (FIR) is officially filed.
BJP Dismisses Claims as Baseless
In response, state BJP chief Mohan Lal Badoli firmly dismissed the charges, stating, "None of our leaders have approached Congress MLAs. They only know each other from their interactions in the Vidhan Sabha. Such claims go on to show that the Congress lacks faith in its own MLAs and simply wants to blame the BJP."
Adding to this, the Shimla police issued a statement clarifying that no such bribery complaint had been received by them as of Sunday evening, casting further doubt on the immediacy of the Congress's claims.
Strategic Moves and Political Maneuvering
Congress leaders explained that the complaint was filed in Himachal Pradesh because the alleged phone calls were received while their MLAs were camping in the hill state. The MLAs have since relocated from Shimla to Kasauli and are scheduled to arrive in Chandigarh on Monday morning. They will proceed directly to the residence of Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Hooda before heading to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha for voting.
Congress Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda, who is accompanying the MLAs, declared, "All Congress MLAs are united and the nefarious designs of the BJP will be defeated in the Rajya Sabha poll. Top leaders of the ruling party tried to influence some of our MLAs and will now pay the price. The police will deal with them."
Background of the Rajya Sabha Contest
The election became necessary after BJP vice-president and building contractor Satish Nandal entered the fray as an Independent candidate. The BJP has officially fielded former MP Sanjay Bhatia, while the Congress has nominated Dalit activist Karamvir Singh Boudh.
With a total strength of 48 MLAs in the 90-member Haryana Assembly, the BJP has 17 surplus votes to support Nandal after ensuring Bhatia's election. Three Independent MLAs have already pledged support to Nandal, and the two Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) MLAs are yet to announce their stance. Traditionally opposed to the Congress, the INLD may either back Nandal or abstain from voting, as indicated by party supremo Abhay Chautala, who said a meeting would be held on Monday to decide.
Historical Context and High Stakes
While the election appears straightforward for the BJP's official candidate, the Congress faces the challenge of maintaining unity among its 37 MLAs to prevent cross-voting, a issue that has plagued them in the past. In the 2016 Rajya Sabha poll, some Congress votes were invalidated due to the use of an incorrect pen, and two votes ultimately favored the BJP after one was found invalid.
To safeguard against such sabotage, the Congress moved 31 of its 37 MLAs to Himachal Pradesh on March 13. Nandal, in an interview, claimed to have secured support from MLAs across party lines.
This election holds significant importance for both parties. For the BJP, it is crucial as its vice-president is contesting independently. For former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda, it is a matter of prestige to consolidate his position within the Congress, counter past electoral setbacks, and put the BJP on the defensive, especially after BJP-backed Independents won seats previously considered safe for the Congress in 2016 and 2022.
The allegations of bribery have added a layer of controversy to an already tense political scenario, highlighting the intense rivalry and strategic calculations at play in Haryana's political landscape.
