TNR Desk
The second day of the budget session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly commenced on a sombre note as legislators paid homage to late former MLA Dinanath Gautam. Following the condolence note, the session progressed into its scheduled agenda, albeit not without disruptions and protests from the opposition benches.
Before the commencement of the question hour, members of the Assembly observed a moment of silence to pay homage to Dinanath Gautam, acknowledging his contributions to the state and its people during his tenure as a legislator.
However, the solemn atmosphere was soon followed by protests from Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and other BJP MLAs. As the session resumed, Jai Ram and his party colleagues raised slogans within the chamber, drawing attention to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Kikar-Navgaon water project situated on the Solan-Bilaspur border.
The BJP MLAs voiced their opposition to the government’s handling of the project. BJP MLA Randhir Sharma from Chintpurni was observed showing his injured fingers, presumably highlighting the physical confrontations that have arisen amidst the project-related tensions.
The protests underscored the deep-seated divisions and contentious issues prevalent within the state’s political landscape, with the BJP using the platform of the Assembly to voice grievances and challenge the policies and actions of the ruling government.
Despite the disruptions, the proceedings of the budget session eventually continued, albeit against a backdrop of heightened tension and discord. As legislators grapple with pressing legislative matters and budgetary allocations, the confrontations and protests witnessed during the session serve as a reminder of the complexities inherent in governing a diverse and dynamic state like Himachal Pradesh.
