Shimla, Aug 27,
The Monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly began with high drama, as the Opposition aggressively demanded an adjournment of the house’s regular business to address what they described as the worsening law and order situation in the state. The session saw heated arguments, a walkout by Opposition members, and a fiery debate over controversial remarks made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur led the charge by submitting an adjournment motion under Rule 67, highlighting recent incidents that, according to him, exposed the state’s fragile law and order framework. Thakur pointed to a violent clash in Baddi, where two individuals were critically injured, with one still battling for life at PGI Chandigarh. He also referenced an assault case in Palampur, accusing the government of gross mismanagement and lamenting that several IPS officers were being kept in reserve instead of being deployed to ensure public safety.
In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan countered the Opposition’s claims, stating that the police had already arrested those involved in the Baddi incident and had taken appropriate action. He argued that while the concerns raised were serious, the government’s swift response made the adjournment motion under Rule 67 unnecessary. Chauhan added that similar issues had been submitted under Rule 130, suggesting they could be discussed at a more suitable time.
The debate escalated as BJP MLA Randhir Sharma pressed for the adjournment motion, arguing that crime was on the rise in the state, citing a shooting in a court premises and cases of molestation of school students. Sharma criticized the government for failing to ensure the safety of the public, even alleging that former Congress MLAs were involved in some of the criminal incidents.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended his administration’s record, asserting that the government had taken strong action against criminal elements, including drug dealers implicated in the Baddi clash. He questioned the Opposition’s motives, accusing them of attempting to protect the interests of drug peddlers by bringing such issues to the assembly. Sukhu reiterated the government’s commitment to cracking down on the drug mafia and urged the Opposition to refrain from politicizing law enforcement.
Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania weighed in, acknowledging the seriousness of the incidents mentioned but noting that the government had already acted upon them. He ruled that the motion under Rule 67 was unwarranted and suggested that these issues could be discussed under Rule 130. This decision led the Opposition to stage a walkout, protesting the Speaker’s refusal to allow their motion.
Shifting the focus, Harshvardhan Chauhan brought up a recent statement by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, in which she allegedly compared protesting farmers to rapists and murderers from Bangladesh and China. Chauhan condemned the statement as deeply unfortunate and urged the assembly to formally denounce it. While the BJP distanced itself from Ranaut’s remarks, Chauhan insisted that the house should take a stand against such divisive rhetoric.
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri criticized Jai Ram Thakur for what he saw as a failure to act as a constructive opposition leader, suggesting that the focus on a gang war incident through an adjournment motion was misplaced. Agnihotri pointed out that even some BJP MLAs had raised similar concerns under Rule 130, highlighting a lack of cohesion within the Opposition.
Chief Minister Sukhu further taunted the Opposition, suggesting their walkout was more about political posturing than genuine concern for public safety. He urged them to prioritize more pressing issues, such as the extensive damage caused by the monsoon, rather than isolated incidents.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi called for an FIR against Kangana Ranaut for her inflammatory comments, while Congress leader Kuldeep Singh Rathore condemned the MP’s statement in the strongest terms. As Rathore spoke, the Opposition re-entered the house, briefly disrupting proceedings with their vocal opposition.
Ultimately, the Speaker confirmed that the assembly formally condemned Ranaut’s statement, noting that the BJP leadership had already done so. The session concluded with a clear divide between the treasury benches and the Opposition, setting the tone for a contentious session ahead.
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