The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislative party staged a walkout from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Saturday evening, expressing dissatisfaction with the Chief Minister’s reply to the Governor’s address.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur said BJP legislators walked out of the House after the post-lunch session around 6 pm, alleging that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made misleading statements during his response.
Speaking to the media outside the Assembly, Jairam Thakur accused the Chief Minister of repeatedly claiming that the BJP failed to support the government during the recent disaster situation in the state. He said the opposition maintained silence in the House and avoided disruptions, but objected when the Chief Minister alleged that BJP leaders did nothing during the crisis.
The Leader of Opposition stated that BJP workers and leaders had walked several kilometres to assist disaster-affected people, while accusing Congress leaders of remaining absent during relief efforts. He further alleged that cases were registered against individuals who raised concerns regarding disaster victims, forcing displaced families to continue visiting police stations.
Thakur also criticized the state government over its handling of anti-drug operations, claiming that political motives influenced actions against narcotics. He questioned the formation and functioning of the Special Task Force (STF), alleging negligence after some police personnel were reportedly found involved in drug-related activities.
He further accused the government of attempting to hide its failures and rejected allegations that the BJP was “anti-Himachal.” Thakur asserted that protecting the state’s interests remains the opposition’s responsibility, adding that while the BJP may oppose the Congress politically, it stands firmly for Himachal Pradesh’s welfare.
The walkout highlighted escalating tensions between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP during the ongoing Assembly session.
