Chandigarh: The disciplinary committee of Haryana Congress has issued show-cause notices to five Congress MLAs accused of cross-voting against the party candidate for Rajya Sabha polls, Karamveer Boudh, triggering speculation over their political future — whether they would align with BJP or be treated as disassociated members in the assembly.The MLAs include two-time legislators Shalley Chaudhary (Naraingarh) and Renu Bala (Sadhaura, reserved), three-time MLAs Mohd Iliyas (Punhana) and Jarnail Singh (Ratia, reserved), and first-time MLA Mohammad Israel (Hathin). They are accused of cross-voting against Boudh during the March 16 vote, one which the Congress eventually won.The disciplinary panel, headed by Dharampal Malik, has sought explanations from the MLAs.Sources said BJP leadership is closely watching the situation. If the MLAs are declared disassociated, they could be accommodated in boards or corporations. Another option under discussion is their resignation followed by possible induction or support in bypolls, sources added. These possibilities were discussed at a recent BJP core group meeting in Delhi, said a source in BJP. “There is a possibility of further defections. Much will depend on how things evolve after the notice period,” the senior BJP functionary, who did not wish to be named, said.In the 90-member Haryana assembly, BJP has 48 MLAs, Congress 37, besides three independents and two INLD members. If action is taken against the five MLAs, Congress strength could drop to 32. Efforts to reach AICC general secretary in-charge B K Hariparsad, Congress Legislature Party leader Bhupinder Hooda, Haryana Congress president Rao Narender Singh, and AICC secretary and co-in charge for Haryana Jitender Baghel failed.
