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Himachal Assembly Opens With Adjournment Debate Over Delayed Local-Body Polls

The Speaker’s decision moved the House into a debate on the government’s request to delay local elections after monsoon damage.

Overview

  • On opening day in Dharamshala, Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania admitted a BJP adjournment motion on the postponed panchayat and urban local body polls, deferring Question Hour.
  • The debate follows the Congress government’s October request to the State Election Commission to postpone local elections citing extensive monsoon damage to property and roads.
  • BJP leaders alleged constitutional violations, manipulation of delimitation, irregular relief distribution, and diversion of disaster funds for government functions, allegations the government disputes.
  • Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu rejected claims of a celebratory event in Mandi, said elections will be held within legal limits, and announced Rs 7 lakh for house reconstruction plus Rs 1 lakh for household items for families affected by recent fires.
  • The winter session is scheduled through December 5 with eight sittings, and the BJP has announced a large protest on December 4 at Dharamshala’s Zorawar Stadium.