Himachal Assembly Erupts After Minister’s Remark on Jairam Thakur; Speaker Suspends Proceedings

A major uproar shook the Himachal Pradesh Assembly on the second day of the Winter Session on Thursday after the entire Opposition trooped into the Well of the House, prompting Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania to adjourn the proceedings until after lunch.

The disruption unfolded during a discussion on an adjournment motion concerning the ongoing standoff between the state government and the State Election Commission over the upcoming panchayat elections. Responding to points raised in the debate, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi allegedly veered off-topic and launched a personal attack on the Opposition, particularly targeting Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.

Negi accused the former Chief Minister of pushing the state into a deep financial crisis and went on to say, “Jai Ram has taken over the state.”

Thakur, who was in the Opposition lounge at the time, rushed back to the House to register his objection. Calling the language “unparliamentary,” he demanded that the minister withdraw his remarks. However, Negi continued his criticism and also accused the BJP of “dividing people in the name of religion,” further inflaming tempers.

Infuriated by the comments, BJP MLAs rose from their seats and stormed into the Well, shouting slogans such as “Rajswamantri nahi chalega” and “Jhootha mantri nahi chalega.”

As the chaos intensified, Speaker Pathania repeatedly appealed to the protesting members to return to their seats and allow the House to function. With the Opposition refusing to relent, the Speaker eventually adjourned the Assembly until after the lunch break.