Congress Grapples with Rajya Sabha Defections as PM Modi Bids Farewell to Outgoing MPs
In a significant development during the ongoing Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rajya Sabha to bid farewell to outgoing Members of Parliament. This event unfolded against a backdrop of political turmoil for the Congress party, which faced repeated defections in Rajya Sabha elections across multiple states.
Cross-Voting Incidents Expose Congress Vulnerabilities
Eleven Congress MLAs defied party directives in recent Rajya Sabha polls, underscoring how Upper House elections have become a persistent weakness for the party when in opposition. The breakdown includes five MLAs cross-voting in Haryana, three in Odisha, and three abstaining in Bihar. Additionally, four votes in Haryana were declared invalid, with Congress alleging BJP interference through what it termed an "agent returning officer."
These incidents are attributed to the influence of governing parties led by BJP or internal factionalism within Congress. Despite past losses, Congress managed to secure a Rajya Sabha seat in Haryana, though its efforts to support allies in Bihar and Odisha failed. Analysts suggest this reflects Congress's inability to dislodge BJP from states, leading to despondency among elected members who become susceptible to poaching.
State-Specific Dynamics and Allegations
In Haryana, factionalism played a key role, with past cross-voting MLAs like Kiran Choudhary and Kuldeep Bishnoi eventually joining BJP. Congress insiders and state in-charges expressed concerns over "money power" as a lure, compounded by threats from the governing party, making legislators with business interests particularly vulnerable. Nevertheless, strong leadership and state unit efforts are credited for Congress's narrow victory in Haryana, despite allegations of electoral manipulation.
In Odisha, Congress suspended three MLAs—Sofia Firdous, Ramesh Jena, and Dasarathi Gomango—for cross-voting and initiated disqualification proceedings. The BJD also criticized eight of its MLAs for succumbing to monetary lures. In Bihar, infighting within the opposition Grand Alliance surfaced after failing to win any Rajya Sabha seats, with Congress MLAs blaming ally RJD for poor candidate selection.
Broader Parliamentary Context and Reactions
During the session, RJD MP Misa Bharti raised suspicions of horse-trading and alleged BJP used agencies like ED, CBI, and Income Tax to intimidate legislators. Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee recommended increasing the minimum pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme from Rs 1,000 to a more dignified level, citing inflation and rising costs.
In a separate development, over 200 retired officials demanded an apology from Rahul Gandhi for a Parliament protest they deemed a violation of decorum, accusing him of arrogance and disregard for institutional sanctity. The BJP nearly won a second seat in Haryana, with CM Nayab Singh Saini mocking Congress for losing loyalty among its MLAs.
Overall, these events highlight ongoing political tensions and institutional challenges as Parliament navigates key issues and transitions.
