‘Won’t press my resignation until…’: Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 28 (ANI): In a measure of relief to the ruling Congress amid fears of a churn at the helm following the cross-voting by 6 Congress MLAs during the Rajya Sabha polls in Himachal on Tuesday, state minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said he would not press his resignation from the cabinet until the final outcome of the ongoing efforts by central observers tom placate dissident leaders.
Speaking to ANI on Wednesday, the minister, who is the son of late Congress stalwart and long-time former CM Virbhadra Singh, said, "There is a difference between taking back the resignation and not pressing it until a final outcome emerges from the ongoing dialogue and the efforts of the central observers. We have had a round of discussions with the central observers and have briefed them on the present situation in the state. Till the final outcome (of the placatiry efforts of the central observers), I won't press my resignation."
On the prevailing political crisis in the state, Singh said the six MLAs, who cross-voted for the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha election, not him, are responsibe for the situation.
"The ongoing situation should be blamed on our MLAs, who cross-voted in the Rajya Sabha election, not me. I haven't taken my resignation back. All that I am saying is that I won't press my resignation until the final outcome of the ongoing visit of central observers is known. I will take my final call in due course," he said.
Meanwhile, Congress MP Rajeev Shukla said, "Our party observers are in Shimla, speaking to the dissident MLAs and listening to their misgivings. They met the PCC Chief and, thereafter, held discussions with Vikramaditya Singh as well. CM Sukhvinder Sukhu has said he is not going to accept his (Vikramaditya's) resignation and the minister, I am told, has agreed not to press his resignation as of now."
Congress state chief Pratibha Virbhadra Singh said all's not well with the party's state unit and the high command has been briefed of the same.
"You all are aware that all was not well with the party after the formation of the government. We have briefed the central observers of this and are hopeful that the issues flagged would be resolved. More than a year has passed since the formation of the government but no decision has been taken (on the issues flagged). The ongoing situation should be seen in the context of the issues that are yet to be resolved. Vikramaditya Singh has not resigned from the party. He resigned from the Cabinet but the CM hasn't accepted it. The ball is now in the court of central observers. It's up to them to decide what's best. Let's see what happens," she said.
The cross-voting by six Congress MLAs for the lone Rajya Sabha seat and the resignation of Vikramaditya Singh from the council of ministers plunged the Sukhu-led government into a crisis in the hill state.
The back-to-back developments brought to the fore the rift within the ruling party while the BJP claimed the Congress had lost the moral standing to be in power after losing majority in the Assembly.
The BJP said the Rajya Sabha results show that the Sukhu-led Congress government has lost its majority, whereas the CM has claimed to remain in power with a majority.
"Congress does not have a majority and they cannot pass the budget, so they suspended 15 BJP MLAs without any reason. They will now try to pass the budget, but it will be against the rules. If he (CM Sukhu) has even a little bit of morality left, then he should resign..." he said.
While Jairam Thakur claimed that Sukhu has resigned from the post, the Himachal CM said that he will fight like a warrior and will not take any steps behind.
"This government has lost all the moral rights to stay in power. As far as I have been informed, CM Sukhu has also presented his resignation inside the House. Maybe the high command has asked him, but I am not sure..." Thakur said.
Sukhu on Wednesday, however, refuted the reports of him resigning from the post, saying that he has not tendered his resignation and will prove the majority in the House.
"Neither anyone asked for my resignation nor have I presented my resignation to anyone. We will prove the majority. We will win, the people of Himachal will win... I am not someone who will get scared and I can say this with guarantee that Congress is going to win when the budget is presented. The budget will be passed today. BJP is spreading rumours of my resignation. Congress is united. I am a warrior and will fight like that," Sukhu said.
In the voting on Tuesday, the BJP, which has just 25 MLAs, managed to secure 9 additional votes. The vote thus ended in a 34-34 tie, with three Independents and six Congress MLAs cross-voting for the BJP. Mahajan ended up winning after the result was decided with a draw of lots. (ANI)