‘No bigger joke than this’, Jairam Thakur’s jibe on CM Sukhu’s decision to invite back disqualified MLAs

Amidst the significant political unrest in Himachal Pradesh, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur attributed the current situation solely to the Congress.

Thakur ridiculed Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu for attempting to bring back the six disqualified Congress MLAs, labeling it as a “joke.”

He expressed skepticism about the government’s stability, highlighting the fear of its potential collapse and MLAs abandoning the ruling party.

Thakur asserted that despite directives from the Congress high command, the political landscape remains unsettled.

Dismissing the idea of a No Confidence Motion, Thakur emphasized that the internal discord and political developments rest solely with the ruling party.

He commented, “According to me, the government will not survive,” pointing to actions by the ruling party creating uncertainty about the government’s continuity.

Thakur clarified that the Opposition is merely observing events and not orchestrating any actions.

He criticized the unethical methods employed to save the government, including suspending BJP MLAs and disqualifying six Congress MLAs, which he argued has adversely impacted the Chief Minister’s image.

Thakur’s confidence stems from deep divisions within the Congress, with no assurance from State Congress president Pratibha Singh about the party completing its term under CM Sukhu.

Responding to Congress Observers’ statement, Singh expressed uncertainty about people’s desires and outcomes.

After the 2022 Assembly elections, the Congress held 40 MLAs, the BJP had 25 in the 68-member assembly, and independents held three seats.

With the disqualification of six rebel MLAs, the House strength decreased from 68 to 62, and the halfway mark is now 32.

The Congress, now with 34 MLAs, and the BJP, with independents, having 28, will determine the Congress’s fate based on its ability to retain the rest of its members.

The political crisis originated from the Congress losing the Rajya Sabha election despite having a clear majority in the assembly.