Condemn amendments to Section 118 of the state’s land laws
S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly opened on a heated note on Thursday (December 4, 2025) as Opposition BJP MLAs staged a vociferous protest in the Vidhan Sabha complex, accusing the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government of “putting Himachal up for sale” by pushing ahead with amendments to Section 118 of the state’s land laws.
Carrying placards and raising slogans, BJP legislators marched under the leadership of Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, who alleged that the government was “celebrating three years in power with disaster funds” while the state continued to struggle with unprecedented calamity losses.
“The entire state has been devastated by the disaster, yet the government is busy throwing a celebration. By amending Section 118, this government is preparing to sell Himachal,” Thakur said, calling the protest the beginning of a statewide campaign against what he termed the “three years of administrative collapse.”
Targets govt over ‘politicising disaster’
Accusing the Congress regime of exploiting natural calamity for political mileage, Thakur said that public discontent was visible on the streets. “ABVP activists, pensioners, OBC community, visually impaired citizens and people from other sections have taken to the streets against this government,” he said.
The BJP has opposed the proposed flexibility in land-transfer rules, arguing that it would open the doors for large-scale purchase of land by outsiders, altering the state’s demographic and economic character.
‘Who allowed PM’s effigy burning?’
Thakur also condemned the recent incident in Shimla where an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was burnt during a protest, demanding clarity on who authorised such an act. “This is unacceptable. On what basis was permission granted? Officials must stay within their limits,” he said.
The BJP has planned a massive demonstration at Zorawar Stadium later in the day, rallying behind the slogan: “Vyavastha ke teen saal — badlo badlo bhrasht sarkar” (Three years of systemic decay — overthrow this corrupt government).
With the Assembly session underway and political rhetoric escalating, the Section 118 debate is set to dominate the winter sitting, signaling a combative season ahead in the hill state.
