HP MLA demands boycott of Asia Cup, urges BCCI to withdraw Team India’s participation
Shimla, Aug 20,
A debate was witnessed in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday when BJP legislator Malender Rajan from Indora (Kangra) demanded that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) withdraw Team India from the upcoming Asia Cup, citing Pakistan’s participation.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Rajan said it was “shocking” that the BCCI had permitted India to play in a tournament involving Pakistan despite recent cross-border skirmishes and the country’s alleged involvement in terror attacks. He urged the House to pass a resolution requesting the Union Government and BCCI to cancel India’s participation in the Asia Cup, stressing that “such sporting ties are unacceptable given Pakistan’s track record.”
Rajan asserted that the Centre should have intervened in the matter, keeping in mind National security and sentiments of citizens. “Allowing cricket ties with Pakistan at this juncture is objectionable and against the spirit of the nation,” he said.
In another intervention under Rule 67, BJP MLA Balbir Verma alleged discrimination against his Chopal constituency, claiming that grants were being denied on political grounds. Drawing a comparison with the Centre’s move to stop water flow to Pakistan after the Pahalgam incident, Verma said, “Just as Pakistan cries for water, people of Chopal are also suffering due to the Congress government’s injustice.”
He said that his constituency has received only around 10Cr in past two years.
Both issues evoked strong reactions in the House, reflecting the political heat over India-Pakistan relations and local development concerns in Himachal Pradesh.
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