BJP’s Operation Lotus won’t work in Himachal: Congress
All India Congress Committee spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Rathore, who contested the November 12 polls from Theog assembly segment, said as per the BJP’s own reports, it could only win 23 seats in Himachal
Expressing apprehension that the BJP may try to poach MLAs to form its government in Himachal, All India Congress Committee spokesperson and former state party president Kuldeep Singh Rathore on Thursday said that ‘Operation Lotus’ won’t work in the hill state.
Addressing a press conference here, Rathore, who contested the November 12 polls from Theog assembly segment, said as per the BJP’s own reports, it could only win 23 seats in Himachal.
“This indicates that the BJP has already accepted its defeat,” he said, adding that the saffron leadership may resort to horse-trading after the election results.
He said the “massive voter turnout” in Himachal indicated that people voted for change.
The Congress had won four by-elections last year and would also win the general assembly polls, Rathore said. “After results are declared, the party will send an observer from Delhi who will hold discussions with the winning candidates and submit a report to the high command,” he added.
The former party chief, however, said that he was not in the race for chief ministerial post.