In a politiclally surcharged turn of events, BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan was declared elected to the Rajya Sabha seat from Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday after a draw of lots as both the candidates polled 34 votes each.

Despite the ruling party having 40 MLAs, six Congress MLAs cast cross votes, giving Congress candidate Abhishek Manu Singhvi 34 votes.

With 40 MLAs in the Assembly, the Congress was expected to win handily with its candidate, Abhishek Manu Singhvi. Three government-supporting Independents and six Congress MLAs reportedly voted for the BJP during Tuesday’s voting for the one Rajya Sabha seat that was up for election.

According to reports, the six MLAs were escorted by the CRPF and Haryana Police as they left for Panchkula.

34 votes were cast for the BJP candidate, including those of 25 BJP MLAs, 6 Congress MLAs, and 3 Independents.

Addressing a press conference, Sukhu accused the BJP of destabilising a duly elected Congress government. He accused the the BJP of taking away six congress MLAs to Panchkula in Haryana.