Shimla, Dec 17,
The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, beginning December 18 at the Tapovan Complex, is poised to be a stormy affair as friction between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP is peaking. With the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government completing two years in office, the opposition is gearing up to corner it on issues ranging from unfulfilled promises and rising unemployment to controversies that have dented its public image.
The session, trimmed to just four sittings instead of the usual five or six, has drawn criticism as a defensive move by the government amid growing discontent. Adding to the tension, Chief Minister Sukhu is expected to miss the final two days of the session due to a planning meeting in Delhi, potentially leaving the Congress more vulnerable to opposition attacks.
Opposition’s Game Plan
The BJP, under the leadership of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, plans to target the government on its alleged failure to fulfill pre-election guarantees, including the much-publicized “Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Guarantee.” The opposition is set to question the government’s credibility over its inability to deliver on promises such as employment generation and job creation initiatives.
Controversies involving the Chief Minister’s attendance at public events, including allegations of serving protected wildfowl in violation of wildlife norms, are also expected to be raised. The BJP is likely to revisit the embarrassment faced by the Congress during the budget session earlier this year when six MLAs defected, pointing to internal divisions within the ruling party.
The recent spat involving Congress MP Pratibha Singh during the two-year celebrations in Bilaspur further highlights cracks within the party, which the BJP aims to exploit during the session.
Key issues on the agenda
Several critical issues impacting Himachal Pradesh are expected to dominate the winter session’s agenda, beyond the usual political tussles. The opposition is set to demand clarity on the implementation of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) over the past two years, given its significance for state employees. Infrastructure and development concerns will also be in focus, with MLA Ram Kumar (Doon) pushing for updates on the long-delayed widening of the Barotiwala-Banlgi-Pattoo-Deyothi-Solan road, while MLA Hardeep Singh Baba (Nalagarh) seeks answers regarding delays and costs of sewerage projects in the region. Similarly, MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal (Barsar) will highlight infrastructure projects awaiting clearance under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Healthcare deficiencies will be another key area, with MLA Neeraj Nayyar (Chamba) raising the lack of specialists for MRI and CT scans at Chamba Medical College, and MLA Kishori Lal (Baijnath) addressing concerns over vacant positions in rural hospitals. Education and employment issues are also on the table, as MLA D.S. Thakur (Dalhousie) plans to discuss the acute shortage of teachers in government schools, while MLA Sudhir Sharma (Dharamshala) questions delays in the recruitment of Patwaris, underscoring gaps in revenue administration.
Rural development will be a major focus, with MLA Keval Singh Pathania (Shahpur) scrutinizing adherence to MGNREGA labor-material ratios, a critical concern for rural employment. Meanwhile, MLA Ashish Butail (Palampur) will seek updates on land allocation and infrastructure development for the State Disaster Relief Force, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for natural disasters. These issues underline the pressing concerns facing the state, demanding the government’s immediate attention and effective resolution.
Public skepticism and financial concerns
The government’s decision to shift the winter session to Tapovan, Dharamshala, has drawn criticism over the financial strain it places on the state’s already precarious resources. The heavy expenditure on the two-year celebrations in Bilaspur on December 11 has further fueled skepticism about the Congress’s governance priorities.
With both parties holding legislative meetings to strategize floor management, the session is expected to be marked by heated debates. The BJP’s aggressive stance, coupled with growing discontent within the Congress, raises questions about the government’s ability to manage assembly proceedings effectively.
As the opposition sharpens its attack and public scrutiny intensifies, the winter session promises to be a critical test for the Sukhu government’s leadership and its ability to address pressing governance, infrastructure, and employment concerns.
About the Author
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.
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