Shimla, Mar 30,
Three Independent MLA Hoshiyar Singh, K L Thakur and Ashish Sharma began a dharna before Himachal Pradesh Assembly secteriat on Saturday to press the issue about the acceptance of their resignation.
It is worthwhile to note here that trio of Independent MLA including Hoshiyar Singh from Dehra(Kangra) , K L Thakur (Nalagarh) and Ashish Sharma (Hamirpur) have tendered their resignation from the assembly membership and decided and joined BJP party on February 22.
On Saturday morning Three Independent MLA turned up at Vidhansabha secteriat and sat on a Dharna in front of Vidhansabha Library.
They also displayed a playcard at the site of picketing which highlighted that they have tendered their resignation voluntary and speaker should accept it . The decided that their actions was not influenced by anyone.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania who was currently on the leave and abroad has not accept their resignation sofar.
Notices were served to three Independent MLA on Mar 27, 2024 asking them to appear before him on April 10 at 12.15 pm.
Replying to their notices, speaker stated that a representation was also made to him by some ministers and others members of assembly alleging doubts on their conduct questioning the timing of resignations and conditions of having submitted voluntarily.
Speaker stated in terms of Article 190 (3)(b) of the Constitution of India read with Rule 287 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of H.P. Legislative Assembly, now three MLAs have to appear in person for inquiry before the Speaker on 10th April, 2024 at 12.15 PM in Committee Room, H.P. Vidhan Sabha, Shimla.
Speaker also warned ” If MLAs fail to submit any response and fail to appear for enquiry, it will be inferred that you(they) have nothing to submit in this regard.”
Members may submit written response at least one day prior to the date fixed for enquiry.
According to legislation experts if including three Independent and 25 BJP MLA quit togather and, 34 seats get vacant in the 68 members house, the State government may be toppled and ECI can announce mid term poll for all 68 Assembly seats on recommendation of Governor. However until speaker did not consider resignation on the three MLAs resignation, the quitting of BJP 25 members may not make any difference.
A statement given by the Governor Shiv Partap Shukla on Thursday stated that his role to decide on the resignation of the three Independent MLAs are mere as postman and he had sent a letter to speaker about the matter.
Guv informed that he submitted two memorandum by the BJP legislative party during the budget session seeking division of vote on the cut motions and three Independent MLAs recently seeking direction to speaker to accept their resignation.
Now the ball is in the court of speaker who would hear the issue of resignation on April 10 as the notice was served to three MLAs stating that he would have to determine whether resignation from H.P. Vidhan Sabha is liable to be accepted or rejected.
However the state is in poltical tormoil for last one month following cross over in the Rajyasabha poll by six Congress MLAs who are disqualified. Three Independent MLAs who also supported BJP candidate in RS poll unexpectedly joined the six Congress disqualified MLAs and decided to join BJP.
