"Opposition comes to assembly only to fight," says Himachal CM Sukhu
Sep 02, 2024
Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 2 : After the proceedings in the Assembly monsoon session, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu criticised the opposition parties in Himachal Pradesh, stating that they come to the House merely to fight and raise slogans rather than engage in constructive debate.
"The opposition comes to the assembly only to fight and raise slogans," the CM remarked.
The opposition had introduced a proposal to discuss the economic condition of the state, to which the government was prepared to respond. However, Chief Minister Sukhu noted that the opposition's refusal to participate in the debate even after the Question Hour is indicative of their "bankruptcy." He further added that the opposition MLAs appear to be split into two factions, causing further disruption to the proceedings.
He defended the conduct of the Assembly Speaker, stating, "The Assembly Speaker works according to the rules" and has even granted the opposition more time than the ruling party for discussions. Emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue, Sukhu urged the opposition to "stop pretending and join the discussion."
Amidst these exchanges, the Chief Minister also brought attention to the financial strain on the state's budget, mentioning that Himachal Pradesh has been spending around twenty-five thousand crores annually on salaries and pensions for its employees.
Meanwhile, the opposition parties in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly submitted a no-confidence motion against the Speaker, Kuldeep Singh Pathania, on Monday following a controversial statement made by him on Friday.
On the fifth day of the monsoon session of the Himachal Legislative Assembly, the opposition parties handed the notice to the Assembly Secretary, demanding Pathania's resignation. This move occurred before the House proceedings commenced.
On Friday, BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal objected to a statement made by the Speaker and demanded an apology. This led to a significant uproar in the Assembly, with opposition members expressing strong dissent.
