No early end in sight to legal battle, 6 disqualified Congress MLAs eye joining BJP and returning home to contest Himachal Assembly byelections

TNR Desk

In a turn of events that could reshape the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and bypolls to six Assembly seats, the six disqualified Congress MLAs are expected to join the BJP before they return home from Delhi where they have been camping for the past several days. The development comes amid intense discussions within the rebel camp and among three Independent MLAs, signalling a decisive shift in their political journey.

Sources close to the matter said that the rebels, after spending weeks in deliberation across various locations, including Panchkula, Rishikesh, and Delhi, are now expected to make significant decisions regarding their political future. The BJP has reportedly extended a clear message to these rebels, underlining a welcoming stance towards their integration into the party.

There are also whispers of a possible meeting between the rebels and BJP national president JP Nadda, hinting at the culmination of their political realignment.

The developments come amid the legal fight the six disqualified MLAs have been fighting in the Supreme Court, which doesn’t appear to be ending early. The byelections in the state are to be held alongside the Lok Sabha elections on June 1.

This wave of political manoeuvering follows the contentious aftermath of the Rajya Sabha election, which saw these MLAs being disqualified, prompting a serious reevaluation of their positions and strategies. The Supreme Court’s stance on the matter has further influenced the rebels and the BJP to clarify their next steps, aiming to convey a decisive message to the public.

Discussions within the rebel camp have led to a consensus on not prolonging legal battles against the Speaker’s disqualification decision. Instead, there’s a unified push towards preparing for the upcoming byelections, seeing it as an opportune moment to align with the BJP and make a significant impact.

Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur too has hinted towards inducting the Congress rebels to strengthen the party’s position in Himachal Pradesh ahead of crucial byelection. The BJP high command, meanwhile, is learnt to have sent out a one-line directive for unity, emphasising the potential benefits of welcoming the Congress rebels into their fold.

While official confirmation of the rebels’ induction into the BJP remains pending, the political circles are abuzz with anticipation of this major shift. The rebels, on their part, appear ready to adopt a new political identity, signaling a fresh chapter in their careers and possibly altering the state’s political dynamics.