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Chandigarh: The Indian National Congress on Thursday cracked down on internal dissent in Haryana by suspending five of its MLAs for allegedly cross-voting during the March 16 Rajya Sabha elections, a move that underscores growing factional strains within the party ahead of crucial political battles in the state.
MLAs suspended after disciplinary review.
The suspended legislators include Shalley Chaudhary (Naraingarh), Renu Bala (Sadhaura), Jarnail Singh (Ratia), Mohammad Israil (Hathin) and Mohammad Ilyas (Punahana). Confirming the action, Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh said the decision was taken after accepting the findings of the party’s Disciplinary Action Committee. The committee, headed by Dharampal Malik, had examined replies to show-cause notices and recommended strict action, even suggesting that the MLAs be asked to resign from the Assembly.
Cross-voting in favour of the BJP-backed candidate
The controversy stems from the Rajya Sabha polls, in which the five MLAs are accused of voting in favour of the BJP-backed Independent candidate, Satish Nandal, defying the party whip. State in-charge B K Hariprasad also confirmed the suspensions, signalling that the party leadership intends to send a strong message against indiscipline and deviation from official positions.
MLAs deny allegations, claim loyalty.
Interestingly, three of the suspended MLAs—Shalley Chaudhary, Renu Bala, and Jarnail Singh—have denied the charges, maintaining that they voted for the official Congress candidate and that they are being unfairly targeted. They claimed to have shown their ballots to former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, who had been authorised by the party to verify votes. Shalley Chaudhary even referred to past controversies, hinting at internal political dynamics, while Renu Bala asserted her continued loyalty to the party. The remaining two MLAs, Mohammad Israil and Mohammad Ilyas, did not respond to the notices issued to them.
Political implications ahead
The suspensions highlight deepening internal challenges for the Congress in Haryana, where unity remains crucial amid the ruling BJP’s organisational strength. The episode is likely to have wider political ramifications, not only for legislative arithmetic but also for the party’s credibility and cohesion as it prepares for upcoming state electoral contests.
