Shimla, Sept 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly, amidst heated debates and opposition from BJP legislators, passed a historic amendment to the Himachal Pradesh Salary, Allowances, and Pension of Members of Assembly Act. The bill aims to disqualify members from pension benefits if they are found guilty of defection under the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, a move intended to discourage the rising trend of political turncoats.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while addressing the Assembly, praised the Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, for his decisive action against the defectors. “This bill upholds the high traditions of democracy and seeks to prevent corrupt practices within our system.
The actions of these six members, who betrayed their party, are a clear case of backstabbing, not only against their own party but against the principles of democracy itself,” Sukhu stated.
Sukhu revealed that the six Congress MLAs had cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha elections, openly defying the party whip. He recounted the events that followed, including the chaotic scenes in the Assembly on February 28, 2024, when the defectors attempted to disrupt proceedings.
“There was open display of goondaism inside the assembly,” he remarked, emphasizing that such actions necessitated a strict response to protect democratic norms.
Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, expressed reservations about the bill, arguing that it might unjustly tarnish the reputation of MLAs. “Members may make mistakes, but depriving them of their pension is too harsh.
The decision to join another party was made much later, and the disqualification should not retroactively affect their entitlements,” Thakur argued.
Vipin Singh Parmar said that members in the Himachal Pradesh were disqualified by openly supporting the BJP candidate. The election observers know this on same day why they were not charged of antiparty activity at the same time. He said that bills should be sent for select committee and it is the people who forced some to won again and some defeated in the bye election.
Other members, including Ashish Sharma, also voiced opposition, suggesting that the bill was politically motivated. “I voted based on my conscience in the Rajya Sabha election. The bill seems aimed at punishing those who have a difference of opinion with the party leadership,” Sharma said.
In contrast, Sanjay Awasthi from Arki expressed support for the bill, stating that public service should not be about financial benefits. “We did not enter public life to earn salaries and pensions; we are here to serve the people,” he declared.
The amendment, now passed, stipulates that any member disqualified under the anti-defection law will lose their pension rights. Sukhu emphasized that the bill had been drafted after consultation with top legal experts, aiming to “discourage defection and uphold democratic values.”
The legislation marks a significant step in addressing the issue of political defections in Himachal Pradesh, setting a precedent that could influence parliamentary and legislative practices across India.
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