Congress MLAs Relocate to Himachal Resort as Rajya Sabha Elections Approach
As the final countdown begins for the elections to two Rajya Sabha seats in Haryana, Congress MLAs have taken an extra-cautious step by proceeding to Himachal Pradesh. On Friday, approximately 32 legislators boarded two buses parked outside the residence of Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Bhupinder Hooda in Chandigarh and headed to a resort in Shimla's Kufri area.
Strategic Move Amidst Election Tensions
Sources indicate that the MLAs were instructed to prepare for a four-day stay in the hill state, packing baggage accordingly. The staff at Adventure Resort in Kufri confirmed to TOI that 32 rooms were booked for three days, from March 13 to 15, with guests checking in around 7 pm on Friday. Kufri is located approximately 15 kilometers from Shimla, providing a secluded environment for the lawmakers.
Voting for the Rajya Sabha election is scheduled for March 16, when the Haryana assembly reconvenes after a short break. This relocation is seen as a measure to prevent poaching or defections, especially with the entry of independent candidate Satish Nandal adding complexity to the battle for one of the two seats.
Hooda's Response and Party Unity
Interestingly, CLP leader Bhupinder Hooda expressed ignorance about the MLAs' trip when interacting with mediapersons. He stated, "I do not know about their programme. They attended the CLP meeting, and we all resolved to ensure our candidate's victory. They just came to inform us that they wanted to go out, and they shall return to poll their votes." Hooda, a former chief minister, emphasized that the party might also secure a vote from a non-Congress MLA and assured that all 37 Congress MLAs would vote for the party candidate.
Not all MLAs made the trip; those who stayed back included Chandermohan, who was reportedly unwell, and Vinesh Phogat. This selective movement highlights the party's strategic planning to maintain cohesion during the critical election period.
Preparation and Mock Drills
Earlier on Friday, Congress MLAs assembled at Hooda's Sector 7 residence in Chandigarh for a CLP meeting. Attendees included AICC general secretary B K Hariparsad and Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Rao Narender Singh. During the meeting, the MLAs conducted a mock drill and received training on voting procedures to ensure compliance with election rules. They also passed a resolution regarding participation in the ongoing budget session.
BJP's Counter-Moves
In a parallel development, the BJP gathered its MLAs and ministers at the party's Panchkula headquarters for a special training programme and mock drill on Saturday. Those who arrived for an organisational meeting on Friday were instructed to remain stationed in Chandigarh until the Rajya Sabha voting concludes. This move underscores the high-stakes nature of the elections, with both major parties taking precautions to secure their votes.
The relocation of Congress MLAs to Himachal Pradesh reflects the intense political maneuvering ahead of the Rajya Sabha polls, as parties strive to prevent any last-minute surprises and ensure their candidates' success.
