In a pre-election statement to the press, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri expressed confidence that the Congress party will emerge with an increased majority in the state assembly following the three upcoming bypolls.
Agnihotri pointed out that Congress currently holds 40 seats in the 68-member house. With an expected victory across all three vacant constituencies, their tally will rise to 41 – higher than what they secured after the 2022 state elections.
The Deputy CM took a swipe at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), questioning what gains they have achieved by instigating political instability through their failed ‘Operation Lotus' maneuver. He said the defecting Congress MLAs who crossed over to BJP, alongside the three independent legislators who resigned from their posts, will end up losing in the by-elections.
Agnihotri accused BJP of leaving their grassroots workers disillusioned by giving tickets to outsider candidates. He alleged party leaders are struggling to justify this move to their cadres.
On the state's financial situation, Agnihotri informed about representations made to the 16th Finance Commission regarding issues like the Center withholding around Rs. 9,000 crore due to Himachal employees under the New Pension Scheme. Other concerns raised include reduction in borrowing limits, capping of foreign project funds and stoppage of GST compensation.
The Deputy CM exuded confidence about Congress' future in Himachal, adding the impending bypolls would re-affirm the public's mandate for the party. With election dates yet to be announced, it remains to be seen if Agnihotri's predictions come true.
