Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly will resume proceedings on Monday after a three-day break during the ongoing Monsoon Session. Heated exchanges between the government and opposition are expected over several issues in the coming days. The issue of the privilege breach notice against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, related to the national anthem and national song, is also likely to trigger an uproar in the House.
The BJP has prepared several key issues to corner the government. These include the state’s rising debt, pending dearness allowance (DA) and arrears of employees and pensioners, and the status of the Congress government’s 10 election guarantees. The opposition is expected to seek clear answers from the government on these matters and may also demand a white paper on the state’s financial condition.
Damage caused by the monsoon will also be raised in the Assembly. The opposition may question delays in restoring roads and drinking-water schemes, the delivery of relief funds to affected people, and the government’s response following the disaster. The government is also likely to face questions about the current status of several Congress election promises, including the ₹1,500 monthly Samman Nidhi for women, employment for young people and commitments related to farmers.
Both sides remain at odds over the privilege breach issue. The notice submitted by the opposition against Chief Minister Sukhu is expected to reach Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania through Assembly Secretary Yashpal Sharma for further action. Chief Minister Sukhu had also announced that he would submit a privilege breach notice against the BJP, but the Assembly Secretariat has reportedly not received such a notice so far.
A total of 109 questions have been listed for Question Hour. These include a question from BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma regarding filling vacant positions in the State Selection Commission and the Public Service Commission. The government will also be asked for information about vacant posts under batch-wise recruitment of JBT and TGT teachers. The opposition is also expected to raise questions concerning employment guarantees.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur accused the government of avoiding direct answers and attempting to divert attention from important issues. He said the privilege breach motion was brought because, according to the opposition, incorrect information was being provided by the government.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan said the BJP had no substantive issues to raise on behalf of the people of the state. The ruling party is also fully prepared to respond to the opposition’s allegations, he said.
