Himachal to host landmark four-state conference of MLAs

Shimla: Tourist town Dharamshala in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is set to host a significant conference of MLAs from four states, including Himachal, Punjab and Haryana, in the last week of May (2025).

The conference, being convened with the consent of Parliament and under the aegis of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, will focus on matters of political integrity, with an emphasis also on the Anti-Defection Law.

Confirming the development to The Newz Radar, Himachal Pradesh Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania said, “Yes, the Assembly is organising a multi-state legislative conference with the approval of Parliament. The aim is to hold meaningful dialogue on subjects like the Anti-Defection Law to ensure transparency and accountability in legislative conduct.”

Kuldeep Pathania, a seasoned legislator and five-time MLA from Bhattiyat in Chamba district, currently serves as the Speaker of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.
Under his leadership, the Assembly has taken bold steps to uphold constitutional morality and enforce legislative discipline.

One of the key agenda items for this conference is a comprehensive review of the Anti-Defection Law, which is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
Enacted in 1985 and later strengthened by the 91st Constitutional Amendment in 2003, this law aims to deter political defections motivated by personal gain or inducements.

Himachal Pradesh has recently faced political instability due to acts of defection. In February 2024, Speaker Pathania disqualified six Congress MLAs for defying the party whip during a crucial vote, invoking the Anti-Defection Law to protect the mandate of the people.

The Assembly also passed a bill later that year barring disqualified MLAs from availing pension and post-retirement benefits, marking a strict stance against opportunistic politics.

The forthcoming conference in Dharamshala will not only provide a platform for interstate dialogue on legislative ethics but also aim to develop consensus on further reforms and uniform application of defection laws. Participating states are expected to share best practices and legal frameworks for ethical governance.

S Gopal Puri