Disqualified Himachal Congress rebel MLAs, Independent legislators to return home in batches of 2 this week, BJP plans grand welcome

TNR Desk

The six disqualified Himachal Pradesh Congress rebel MLAs and the three Independent legislators who resigned from the Assembly, subsequently joining the BJP, are set to return to their native places this week after a month-long absence from the state.

Currently putting up in Chandigarh, the nine former MLAs had supported BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan in the recent Rajya Sabha election, altering the political landscape of the region. Congress nominee Abhishek Manu Singhvi had lost to Mahajan despite the party having 40 MLAs against 25 of the BJP. After a tie at 34 votes each, Mahajan won through draw of lots.

Strategy to be finalised today
The BJP is orchestrating a grand welcome for the homecoming of the nine leaders, strategising to capitalise on the event as a significant political spectacle. Plans for their return are being deliberated, with arrangements likely to be finalised by evening. The party aims to stage elaborate receptions in the constituencies of all nine MLAs, with senior party leaders entrusted with organisational responsibilities.

Preparations are underway in Hamirpur, Kangra, Una and Solan districts, where district presidents have been tasked with coordinating the welcome ceremonies and mobilising party workers. It is anticipated that the former MLAs will not return en masse but in batches of two, ensuring a ceremonious reception each day.

Top leaders to be present for welcome
BJP state president Rajiv Bindal, Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and Union Minister Anurag Thakur, among others, are expected to be present at various locations to extend greetings.

The returning MLAs are Congress rebels Rajinder Rana (Sujanpur), Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala), Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Barsar), Davinder Kumar Bhutto (Kutlehar), Chaitanya Sharma (Gagret) and Ravi Thakur (Lahaul-Spiti), and former Independents KL Thakur (Nalagarh), Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) and Hoshyar Singh (Dehra).

Under the CRPF protection since their controversial vote, the former MLAs formally joined the BJP in Delhi last Saturday before being transported to Shimla for a joint press conference. Following the event, they returned to Chandigarh where plans are underway for their eventual return to their respective constituencies.