TNR Desk
The shifting of the six rebel Himachal Pradesh Congress MLAs from Panchkula to Rishikesh in Uttarakhand has marked a significant shift in the centre of political turmoil.
On Friday, the six rebels along with three independent MLAs and two BJP MLAs were relocated in a chartered plane to Rishikesh where they have been accommodated in a luxury hotel. On Saturday, a CRPF contingent responsible for their security also arrived in Rishikesh, effectively converting the hotel into a fortress.
The private hotel is located in Kodiyala, about 35 km from Rishikesh. They have petitioned the Supreme Court and the hearing is expected to commence next week. Consequently, it is anticipated that the movements of the rebels will now primarily oscillate between Rishikesh and Delhi.
The “growing rapport” between the rebels and the state government is perceived as a contributing factor to this relocation. During their 10-day stay in Panchkula, the rebels interacted not only with BJP members but also with Congress representatives. Vikramaditya Singh, in the presence of the media, had visited the hotel where the rebels were lodged and subsequently briefed general secretary Priyanka Gandhi in Delhi about their condition.
Moreover, another minister from Himachal Pradesh had been stationed in Chandigarh and he had made two visits to Delhi. Efforts are said to be underway to reconcile with the rebels.
Chief Minister Sukhu has extended an olive branch, stating that the doors were open for any MLA desiring to return home. In Rishikesh, the rebel MLAs, along with three independent and two BJP MLAs, were observed engaging in conversations while roaming the hotel premises. Stringent security measures have been implemented around the hotel to safeguard the MLAs.
