Reports suggest that it was the former Congress stalwart, Captain Amarinder Singh, who wielded influence behind the scenes for the opposition BJP's efforts to destabilize the Congress administration in Himachal Pradesh. This purported maneuvering, allegedly orchestrated by Captain Amarinder Singh, caused ripples within the Congress leadership owing to his close ties with Vikramaditya Singh, a prominent figure in the Himachal Pradesh political landscape.
The recent turmoil in Himachal Pradesh, triggered by an unexpected setback in the Rajya Sabha elections, reverberated across Congress corridors. Sources indicate that Captain Amarinder Singh, a scion of Punjab's royal lineage and erstwhile Chief Minister, shares familial bonds with Vikramaditya Singh, whose discontent within the Himachal Pradesh Congress became apparent when he threatened resignation, citing perceived mistreatment within the party ranks.
Interestingly, the familial connection between Captain Amarinder Singh and the Singh family of Himachal Pradesh is reinforced through matrimonial ties, with one of Virbhadra Singh's daughters wedded to Captain Amarinder Singh's grandson. This intricate web of relationships, coupled with Captain Amarinder Singh's stature and connections, positioned him as a pivotal figure entrusted to oversee the unfolding drama in Himachal Pradesh by the BJP, owing to his perceived influence on the state's royal lineage.
Captain Amarinder Singh's departure from the Congress fold in 2021, culminating in the formation of his political outfit, Punjab Lok Congress (PLC), followed by its subsequent merger with the BJP, underscored his shifting allegiances. His stature as a former Chief Minister of Punjab, coupled with his familial connections in Himachal Pradesh, rendered him a strategic asset for the BJP in navigating the political landscape of the region.
Insiders reveal that Captain Amarinder Singh played a crucial role in facilitating logistical support, notably arranging helicopter flights for the six Congress legislators who defected to the BJP during the Rajya Sabha elections. This defection, orchestrated with Captain Amarinder Singh's purported backing, led to the defeat of the Congress nominee, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. The subsequent disqualification of these legislators further exacerbated the political crisis within the Himachal Pradesh Assembly.
Months preceding the Rajya Sabha elections, the BJP reportedly discerned signs of discontent within the Himachal Pradesh Congress, particularly emanating from Vikramaditya Singh's camp, amidst aspirations for the Chief Ministerial position. Vikramaditya Singh's conspicuous absence from the Ram Mandir consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, a move boycotted by the Congress, further signaled the brewing dissent within the party ranks.
It was against this backdrop that the BJP purportedly entrusted Captain Amarinder Singh with the mandate to navigate the tumultuous political terrain of Himachal Pradesh. Despite the Congress leadership's suspicions regarding Captain Amarinder Singh's involvement, no preemptive measures were undertaken to counter his purported machinations, leaving the party vulnerable to the unfolding crisis.
