Himachal passes Bill baring defector MLAs of pension

Shimla: Amid heated debate, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Wednesday passed the Himachal Pradesh Legislative (Allowances and Pension) Amendment Bill, 2024, to deprive MLAs disqualified under the anti-defection law of pensionary benefits, a move intended to discourage political turncoats.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, while addressing the Assembly, praised Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania for decisive action against the defectors. “This bill upholds the high traditions of democracy and seeks to prevent corrupt practices within our system. “The actions on six members, who betrayed their party, are a clear case of backstabbing, not only against their own party but against the principles of democracy itself,” the Chief Minister said. He said the six Congress legislators who had cross-voted during the Rajya Sabha election openly defied the party whip. He recounted events, including chaotic scenes in the Assembly on February 28, when the defectors attempted to disrupt proceedings.

“There was an open display of goondaism inside the assembly,” he remarked, emphasising that such actions necessitated a strict response to protect democratic norms. Leader of the Opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, expressed reservations about the Bill, saying it might unjustly tarnish the reputation of MLAs.