Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday accused the senior BJP leader and the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Jai Ram Thakur of contempt of court following the former Chief Minister’s statements about the appointment of six chief parliamentary secretaries (CPS) by the current Congress-led state government.
Sukhu asserted that Thakur’s remarks, which suggest the eventual removal of the CPS, undermine the judicial process as the matter is currently sub-judice.
The Chief Minister, speaking to reporters after paying floral tributes to the former Chief Minister late Virbhadra Singh on his birth anniversary at the Congress office, questioned Thakur’s ability to predict the Court’s “reserved” verdict. Sukhu emphasized that such statements should be taken seriously by the Court as they could potentially influence the judicial process.
Thakur, along with state BJP chief Rajiv Bindal, had repeatedly stated in speeches and public statements that the six CPS appointed by Sukhu’s Government were done so “illegally” and would ultimately be removed, leading to the downfall of the current administration. These assertions have stirred controversy, particularly given the legal scrutiny the appointments are under.
The issue began when 12 BJP MLAs challenged the appointments, arguing that they violated Article 164(1A) of the Constitution, which limits the number of ministers to 15 percent of the legislative assembly’s strength. For Himachal Pradesh, this means a maximum of 12 Cabinet Ministers. The appointments have sparked significant political and legal debate.
Sukhu also pointed out that nine BJP legislators displayed blatant disrespect towards the Assembly Speaker by tearing official papers during the budget session. The Speaker has since issued notices to these MLAs, who have responded to the summons.
In a counter-statement, BJP state president Rajiv Bindal accused Sukhu of attempting to disqualify the nine BJP MLAs in a bid to fortify his government's position, labeling this as undemocratic and a sign of desperation. Bindal’s remarks further fuel the intense political rivalry between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Himachal Pradesh.
As the State gears up for three crucial Assembly bypolls on July 10, both parties are confident of their chances. These by-elections have gained importance as they follow the resignation of three independent legislators who had supported the BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections and subsequently joined the party. The results of these bypolls could significantly influence the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh.
Sukhu pays floral tribute to former CM Virbhadra Singh on his birth anniversary
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday offered floral tributes to the former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on his birth anniversary at Congress Office, Rajiv Bhawan, at Shimla. Sukhr said that Virbhadra Singh dedicated his entire life for the development and welfare of the State and its people. His contribution in making Himachal a prosperous and modern State will always be remembered, he said.
