Speaker rejects privilege motion by BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma in Himachal assembly
Shimla, Aug 26,
A heated exchange unfolded in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday after Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania rejected a privilege motion moved by BJP legislator Sudhir Sharma.
Pathania informed the House that he had received a Demi Official (DO) note from Sharma alleging contempt against the Leader of the House but without citing any specific rule to substantiate the claims. “The DO letter contained contemptuous allegations, yet it failed to highlight any relevant rule. Such unsubstantiated charges amount to contempt of the House and cannot be entertained,” the Speaker ruled, dismissing the motion outright.
Also read:BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma moves privilege motion against Himachal CM over ‘False job, health claims’
He reminded members that while raising public issues in the Assembly was permissible, using the platform for political manoeuvring without quoting rules was unacceptable. “In a lighter mood, anything can be said, but if it is to be placed on record, it must fall under parliamentary rules,” he clarified.
The controversy deepened when Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu sought to introduce certain remarks into the record, prompting the Speaker to refuse. He held that no unparliamentary word could be recorded unless it was proven with facts. “Constitutional provisions empower the Speaker to ensure that only substantiated facts form part of the official proceedings,” he underlined.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur intervened, objecting to Sukhu’s attempt to term investment inflows as “Himachal being sold” (Himachal Baicha Jaa Raha Hai). He argued that investors coming under lawful rules should not be portrayed negatively.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi countered, accusing the Opposition of attempting to suppress the freedom of debate. “Parliamentary privileges allow members to speak without fear, but the Opposition is trying to boycott and restrict that very right,” he alleged.
As tempers rose, BJP MLAs staged a walkout, protesting what they described as an attempt by the treasury benches to use objectionable and unparliamentary language against Opposition leaders. Senior BJP MLA and former Speaker Vipin Parmar charged that such remarks were being carried into newspapers, further humiliating the Leader of Opposition.
Concluding the discussion, Speaker Pathania reiterated that Assembly proceedings would continue to be broadcast on YouTube, but only after members’ speeches were edited in accordance with parliamentary records. “No speech will be released in unedited form to the press; verification will precede broadcast,” he asserted.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma said he would reintroduce the privilege notice under proper rules, stressing that making false statements and presenting incorrect figures in the House was a serious matter. He argued that the issue concerned unemployed youth and pointed to the Chief Minister’s earlier assurance of raising the voluntary grant to Rs 1 lakh, which was not fulfilled. Sharma remarked that if such assurances go unaddressed, the very purpose of Assembly sessions and Question Hour is defeated, suggesting that it would be easier to seek information through RTI instead.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
