Given the continuing fluid condition in State politics, Congress High Command may name a veteran leader for the solitary Rajya Sabha seat from Uttarakhand. Sources said that if the party sends former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna to the Upper House, it would necessitate an Assembly bypoll.
If the Congress, by any chance loses the bypoll, the party’s Government which is enjoying support from 36 out of 71 MlAs, including one nominated member, might land in trouble. The party’s strength in the Assembly would come down to 35 while that of the BJP would go up to 29 if it wins. In case that happens, the BJP would be close to the magic figure of 36 if it can bring the PDF which is now with the Congress on board.
The Congress High Command, presently wilting under pressure with one State after another tumbling out of its kitty in successive elections, is unlikely to take the risk of its government in Uttarakhand facing any threat. “Hypothetically speaking, though there is no immediate threat to the Harish Rawat Government presently there is a chance that PDF with seven MlAs in its kitty would breathe down its neck, threatening withdrawal of support from it and extending the same to the BJP. This is the last thing the Congress High Command wants at this critical juncture. Hence, Bahuguna’s chances of being elected to the Upper House are bleak, the observers said.