Himachal Assembly sets aside business to debate Monsoon devastation
Shimla, Aug 18,
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Monday set aside routine business to take up an urgent discussion on the devastation caused by heavy monsoon rains, after both treasury benches and the Opposition pressed for immediate debate.
As the House reassembled for the post-lunch session, BJP legislators demanded suspension of business under Rule 67 to discuss widespread loss of life and property. Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania reminded them that Congress members had already given notice under Rule 130, and the matter was scheduled shortly. He appealed for patience, assuring that the debate was already on the day’s agenda.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan countered the Opposition’s demand, clarifying that both rules covered the subject. “The government has not undermined the seriousness of the crisis. Other listed business such as Question Hour and laying of bills is also important. The discussion will begin in half an hour; there is no need to panic,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, however, accused the government of being “insensitive,” claiming ministers were not treating the crisis with urgency. “The parliamentary affairs minister may say the sky is not falling, but the reality is that the sky has almost fallen on Himachal. Every part of the state is reeling under the calamity,” he remarked.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu hit back, alleging that the Opposition was attempting to alter procedure midway. Recalling the 2023 monsoon disaster when damages had crossed Rs 10,000 crore, he said, “Back then, instead of supporting a resolution, the BJP staged a walkout. Still, today we are ready to accept their proposal for debate under Rule 67. This is an issue of public concern and should not become a matter of walkouts.”
Eventually, the Speaker permitted tabling of an ordinance and other listed business but deferred them to prioritize the monsoon discussion. He clarified that all motions and questions submitted by members would remain part of the Assembly’s record.
The House then proceeded to take up the debate, reflecting rare unanimity across party lines on the scale of destruction Himachal Pradesh continues to face this monsoon.
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