TNR News Network
DHARAMSHALA:
The Himachal Pradesh government on Wednesday (November 26, 2025) announced a major relief package of Rs 7 lakh for every household gutted in recent fire incidents as the winter session of the 14th Vidhan Sabha commenced in Tapovan, Dharamshala.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement in the Assembly, noting that several houses in Kullu district had been destroyed in back-to-back fire incidents triggered by plunging temperatures and increased heating-related risks.
Along with the financial assistance for damaged homes, the government will also provide Rs 1 lakh to families whose household goods have been destroyed, offering a significant cushion to affected residents as the state battles harsh winter conditions.
The announcement came on the opening day of a session that will run from November 26 to December 5, featuring eight sittings and a packed legislative agenda. A total of 744 questions — 604 starred and 140 unstarred — have been scheduled for discussion, signalling an intense session ahead.
Opposition targets govt over panchayati raj elections, accuses it of delaying polls
Despite the relief package announcement, political tempers flared as soon as the House resumed discussions.
BJP legislators launched a sharp attack on the government over the alleged delay in panchayati raj elections, accusing the Congress of using disaster conditions as an excuse to postpone polls.
BJP MLA Surender Shourie argued that if elections do not take place on time, panchayat-level development will come to a standstill. He warned that public trust is eroding because the government “keeps hiding behind the disaster narrative.”
Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur alleged that the Chief Minister “neither listened to his ministers nor his party” and that the government fears the election results may not favour it. He said the state had never witnessed such “administrative chaos” and demanded that the government reconsider its decision regarding election timing.
The government, however, maintained that it is functioning within constitutional and legal boundaries. CM Sukhu reiterated that the Congress remains the “strongest custodian of the Constitution” and is preparing to present its future vision rather than celebrate its three-year tenure.
Congress counters BJP by protesting against MLA Hans Raj over POCSO charges
Tensions escalated further when Congress MLAs staged a protest outside the Assembly against BJP MLA Hans Raj, who is facing sexual abuse allegations under the POCSO Act.
Congress legislators accused the BJP of shielding its leaders despite grave allegations and demanded immediate action.
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi accused the Opposition of maintaining “double standards,” saying several BJP office bearers are embroiled in similar accusations but the party continues to remain silent.
The political clash overshadowed much of the day’s proceedings, with heated exchanges reported inside and outside the House. CM Sukhu also took a jab at Jai Ram Thakur, claiming he returned to the Assembly after “being rebuked by the Union Home Minister.”
Rule 67 motion accepted; House Debates Govt-CEC Confrontation
Earlier, the Assembly accepted a ‘stop work’ motion under Rule 67 moved by BJP MLAs Randhir Sharma and Jeet Ram Katwal, seeking a discussion on the alleged standoff between the state government and the Election Commission over panchayat restructuring.
Randhir Sharma accused the government of “trampling constitutional norms” and attempting to defer elections under the guise of disaster management. He questioned why the government was celebrating its three-year tenure in districts worst hit by disasters if conditions were truly severe enough to delay polls. The Question Hour was temporarily suspended as the House took up the motion.
