Opposition Leaders’ Absence from Pre-Session Meeting Sparks Criticism

Dharamshala: The absence of Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur and BJP MLA Sukhram Chaudhary from an all-party meeting ahead of the winter session has caused a stir, drawing sharp criticism from Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harsh Vardhan Singh Chauhan. This marks the second consecutive instance where opposition leaders have skipped such a crucial meeting, leaving many surprised and disappointed.

The meeting, convened by Speaker Pathania on Tuesday at the Tapovan Assembly Secretariat, was aimed at preparing for the winter session set to begin the following day. Traditionally, such meetings provide an opportunity for leaders of all parties to discuss key legislative issues and ensure smooth functioning during the session. Pathania stressed that it had been a customary practice for both ruling and opposition party leaders to attend these pre-session discussions.

While members from the ruling party, including Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harsh Vardhan Chauhan and Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania, were present, the absence of Jai Ram Thakur and Sukhram Chaudhary was particularly noticeable. Despite previously agreeing to attend, Thakur failed to appear, and no representative from the BJP attended the meeting in his place. This absence drew criticism from the government side.

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Harsh Vardhan Chauhan expressed his displeasure, calling the opposition’s approach a “waste of time.” Deputy Speaker Vinay Kumar was also present at the meeting, underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue within the Assembly.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Speaker Pathania urged all MLAs to engage meaningfully in the assembly proceedings and to raise issues of public concern in a manner that aligns with the assembly’s rules. He reassured that the ruling party would provide timely and factual responses to all raised concerns. Pathania confirmed that the winter session would introduce fifteen bills for discussion.

CM Sukhu Calls for Opposition Cooperation in Winter Session

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also addressed the media, expressing the government’s preparedness for the winter session. Sukhu urged the opposition to focus on constructive debates and participate in meaningful discussions rather than disrupting proceedings through walkouts. “Instead of staging protests, the opposition should fulfill its constitutional responsibilities by engaging in discussions on issues that matter to the public,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also took aim at the opposition’s practice of walking out during ministers’ responses, asserting that such actions undermine meaningful debate. He emphasized that the opposition must adhere to constitutional norms and act responsibly inside the House.

Sukhu further criticized the opposition’s lack of coordination, particularly in the context of Jai Ram Thakur’s absence. He remarked that Thakur should have at least sent a representative from the party if he could not attend. “Not doing so goes against established practices,” Sukhu added.

The upcoming winter session is expected to feature intense debates on critical bills, with both the government and opposition gearing up for a challenging and potentially contentious period of discussions.