In a significant development in Himachal Pradesh, six Congress MLAs, including Rajinder Rana, Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Ravi Thakur, Chaitanya Sharma, and Kutlehar MLA Davinder Bhutto, have been disqualified on February 29, losing their membership in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly with immediate effect. The announcement came from Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Pathania, who stated that the disqualification was a result of the MLAs defying the party whip issued during the Budget session.
According to Speaker Pathania, the six Congress members had deliberately defied the party’s directive during crucial votes in the Budget session, attracting provisions under the anti-defection law. He noted that during the session, when the party issued a whip, the members were absent from the House during crucial votes on cut motions and demands. Furthermore, on February 28, during the presentation of the Finance Bill, they were once again absent, solidifying their breach of party discipline.
Addressing the media in Shimla, Speaker Pathania declared, “I hold and declare the respondents [six Congress MLAs] cease to be members of the Himachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly with immediate effect.” This move adds a new layer to the ongoing political turbulence in the state, raising questions about the stability of the Congress party in Himachal Pradesh and the potential ramifications for the political landscape.
The disqualification comes as a consequence of the anti-defection law, highlighting the Speaker’s commitment to upholding party discipline and maintaining the integrity of legislative proceedings. The development further intensifies the political climate in Himachal Pradesh, setting the stage for potential realignments and power dynamics within the state assembly.
