Cross-Voting, Expelled MLAs In Congress’ 24-Hour Himachal Crisis: 10 Points

New Delhi: The Congress battled a crisis in Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, 24 hours after a shock defeat in a Rajya Sabha election. Six MLAs, and three independents, cross-voted, siding with the BJP and casting doubts over the majority status of its government.As the dust settled on a frantic day, the Congress’ strategic thinking bought it some respite. The expulsion of 15 BJP MLAs allowed the ruling party to pass the state budget without contest, meaning its majority status cannot be immediately challenged.Under-fire Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu struck a defiant note, insisting he had no plans to resign despite claims his government is in the minority. “Neither (has) anyone asked for my resignation nor have I presented it to anyone. We will prove our majority. We will win…” he said, accusing the BJP of “spreading rumours” to break the party.