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Himachal: Play video of Friday proceedings in House or will approach guv, says LoP
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said that the BJP had repeatedly demanded that the video footage of the proceedings on Friday be displayed in the House or provided to the legislators
The deadlock between the ruling Congress and Opposition BJP in the Himachal Pradesh assembly deepened on Saturday, with BJP legislators staging a protest outside Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania’s chamber, accusing him of failing to ensure the smooth functioning of the House.
Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Jai Ram Thakur said that the BJP had repeatedly demanded that the video footage of the proceedings on Friday be displayed in the House or provided to the legislators.
He warned that failure to do so would force them to approach governor Kavinder Gupta and, if necessary, the high court to place their position on record.
Thakur said the Speaker had assured the Opposition that he would give his ruling at 2pm, but when the House resumed, chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu began speaking and the situation again became tense.
“The CM was speaking after being allowed by the Speaker, but while speaking, he deviated from the main issue and unnecessarily created an atmosphere that led to exchanges between the ruling and Opposition members,” Thakur alleged.
He said slogans were subsequently raised from the treasury benches, which, according to him, indicated that the ruling side wanted to prevent the House from functioning and force an adjournment.
House adjourned after repeated disruptions: Pathania
Justifying repeated adjournments, the assembly Speaker said that the disruptions had made it impossible to maintain order in the House.
Pathania said the assembly began its monsoon session on Friday with the National Anthem after welcoming the new members.
He said that after the initial interaction, the Opposition had raised the issue of the National Song, prompting him to clarify that the assembly begins with the National Anthem and concludes its proceedings with the National Song.
“Despite my repeated requests, neither the ruling side nor the Opposition maintained restraint and order in the House. When order is not maintained, the Speaker has no other option but to adjourn the House, as is done in all legislatures,” Pathania said.
He said Saturday’s proceedings began peacefully, with obituary references followed by question hour. During zero hour, Thakur was allowed to speak and made a detailed statement on the issue based on reports published in newspapers.
“The CM, being the Leader of the House, then began replying. During his reply, there was again an interruption from both sides. Despite my repeated requests, order was not restored,” the Speaker said.
Pathania said the House was subsequently adjourned until 2pm. When proceedings resumed, the CM sought permission to complete his unfinished statement, which was granted, but disruptions and slogan-shouting again followed.
“When I felt that order could not be maintained again, I adjourned the House till Monday at 2pm. When the House resumes, I will give my ruling on whatever issues have been raised by both sides,” he said. The Speaker maintained that issues arising inside the House must be resolved within the House and not outside it.
