Shimla, May 4
The political landscape in Himachal Pradesh is simmering with controversy as the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) has lodged a formal complaint against Kuldeep Singh Pathania, the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The complaint, spearheaded by BJP members of the Assembly from Chamba, led by MLA Hans Raj, accuses Pathania of breaching the neutrality expected of his esteemed position.
The genesis of this complaint lies in the recent actions of Pathania, which have sparked a heated debate over the impartiality of Speakers in Indian politics. Pathania’s role in thwarting an alleged attempt to destabilize the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government on February 28, 2024, has drawn both acclaim and criticism. While some hail his legal and legislative acumen in safeguarding the ruling Congress government during the passing of financial bills, others question the perceived partisanship underlying his actions.
The complaint alleges that Pathania’s participation in political activities, notably joining a public meeting in Kangra Parliamentary constituency alongside Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, constitutes a violation of the neutrality expected from the Speaker’s office. Despite assertions that it is common for Speakers to engage in political functions post-election, the BJP contends that Pathania’s actions transcend the acceptable boundaries of neutrality.
The complaint, supported by the BJP members from Chamba, underscores that in a political landscape marred by power struggles and heightened tensions, the neutrality of Speakers assumes paramount importance in upholding the democratic fabric of the nation.
Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania who is advocate by profession had forced opposition BJP to burn back burner, stated INC sympathizers while talking about this complaint. Â They said that Pathania exercising his legal and legislative acumen not only gave lease of life to ruling Congress during passing of Financial bills in assembly on February 28, 2024 but also taught a lesson to BJP government at centre and opposition leader in Himachal Pradesh as well as six Congress legislators who cross voted in Rajyasabha polls on February 27. Number of Congress government were toppled by Modi Shah duo but this partly unsuccessful attempts left them with fuming in desperation, counter Congressmen on this BJP move.
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