Himachal Pradesh: Congress may shift MLAs to foil BJP's poaching attempts

Party observer Rajeev Shukla told reporters in Delhi that MLAs may be moved to Chandigarh, 90 km away, "for convenience", according to NDTV.

He, however, maintained that such a step would not be required if Congress crossed 40 seats, five above the majority mark in the 68-member assembly.

The party is eyeing a return in Himachal Pradesh contrary to its dismal performance in Gujarat where managed to retain only 16 seats, conceding defeat to BJP in over 60 seats.

So far, it has won 40 seats, five more than 35 required to stake its claim to form a government in the state.

On who would be the chief minister in the new government, Shukla said the Congress high command will decide after discussion with MLAs.

There are three clear contenders for the post—state unit chief Pratibha Singh, current Leader of Opposition Sukhvinder Sukhu, and Mukesh Agnihotri

According to reports, the party is fearing a coup in case a disgruntled heavyweight chooses to switch loyalties and makes a crossover to BJP.

Rajasthan or Chhattisgarh, the only two states where the Congress has chief ministers, after a pitstop in Chandigarh, if the margin remains slender, NDTV reported citing sources.

The party is planning to call a meeting of MLAs in Chandigarh, which, Shukla said, is easily accessible to everyone.

A meeting is scheduled in Shimla, too, Shukla said.

Two other observers — Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Haryana leader Bhupinder Hooda — are reaching the Himachal capital too.

Earlier today, Congress in-charge Tajinder Singh Bittu said that the party is closing its doors and windows to foil any poaching attempts by BJP.

Congress suffered a fall in Madhya Pradesh after senior party leader Jyotiraditya Scindia sided with the BJP with his supporter MLAs.

Bhupesh Baghel also told the media that Congress will do everything to keep its people together as BJP could go to any length to turn the tables in its favour.