The BJP legislative party, led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, protested outside the Himachal Pradesh Assembly regarding alterations made by the government to the Panchayat election roster. Former Chief Minister Thakur criticized Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu for hasty decisions that have led to the government retracting its steps, causing embarrassment to the state.
The controversy revolves around the government’s decision to permit Deputy Commissioners to make up to five percent changes in the roster, sparking discontent both inside and outside the House. Thakur accused the government of misusing power to favor Congress party workers by allowing alterations in reservation rosters for ward members, village heads, and Panchayat Samiti chairpersons.
Thakur alleged that the government’s motive is not to ensure fair elections but to delay them deliberately. He criticized the government for making arbitrary decisions and disregarding directives from the High Court and the Supreme Court, suggesting a lack of commitment to conducting impartial Panchayat elections.
The BJP lawmaker further claimed that despite court rulings, the Chief Minister persists in obstructing the Panchayat elections. Thakur accused the government of orchestrating efforts to impede the elections from the beginning, alleging that administrative officials were encouraged to defy State Election Commission orders and hinder the electoral process.
After the protest, BJP lawmakers raised a commotion in the House demanding a discussion on an adjournment motion, which was rejected by the Speaker, leading to the Opposition staging a walkout once again.
