Himachal Pradesh News
Shimla Mayor Suspends 9 BJP Councillors Amid Heated Showdown Over Tenure Row
A stormy session at the Shimla Municipal Corporation on Friday turned into a political flashpoint after Mayor Surinder Chauhan suspended nine BJP councillors for allegedly obstructing House proceedings.
A stormy session at the Shimla Municipal Corporation on Friday turned into a political flashpoint after Mayor Surinder Chauhan suspended nine BJP councillors for allegedly obstructing House proceedings.
What began as a routine monthly general house meeting quickly spiraled into sloganeering, protests, and a dramatic walkout — exposing deep political fault lines in the hill town’s civic body.
Why Did the Chaos Erupt?
The BJP councillors objected to Chauhan presiding over the meeting, claiming that his extended tenure had expired on January 6 and no fresh notification had been issued by the state government. According to them, the Mayor’s chair was effectively vacant.
They insisted that, as per the reservation roster, a woman should now be elected as the new Mayor. Until that happens, they argued, House proceedings should not continue.
Despite repeated requests to maintain order, BJP members continued raising slogans. As tensions escalated, the Mayor briefly walked out along with the Municipal Commissioner, while protests echoed inside the House.
Suspension and Counter-Allegations
In response to what he termed deliberate disruption, Chauhan suspended nine BJP councillors. Congress members countered the opposition’s claims, accusing them of being “anti-people” and intentionally stalling civic work.
The BJP, on the other hand, labeled the Congress-led corporation “anti-women,” alleging that Chauhan’s continuation in office violated the spirit of women’s representation.
Speaking to mediapersons, BJP councillors clarified that their protest was not personal. “We have nothing against the Mayor personally, but as per the reservation roster, a woman should now hold the post,” they said, questioning even Congress women councillors for remaining silent.
Chauhan hit back strongly, stating that the matter of tenure extension is sub judice and that legislative processes take time, especially when a Bill is presented in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha.
“It takes time for a Bill to be cleared. Senior leadership should instruct councillors to work in public interest. Strict action will follow if such behaviour continues,” he asserted.
Governor Urged to Clear Extension Bill
Meanwhile, 24 Congress councillors, one CPM member, and five nominated councillors passed a proposal urging the Governor to clear the Bill regarding the Mayor’s tenure extension at the earliest — signaling that the ruling side is keen to settle the matter legally and swiftly.
‘Halwa’ Remark Adds a Twist
In a lighter yet controversial moment, the political temperature rose again over refreshments.
Mayor Chauhan remarked that BJP councillors had staged protests after eating “halwa,” referencing a similar incident during the budget session. The comment did not sit well with the opposition.
The BJP councillors, taking offence, announced they would not consume any refreshments — or even water — during future meetings. “We come here to raise public issues, not to enjoy refreshments,” they said, adding that they brought their own water bottles and demanded an apology from the Mayor.
Bigger Political Signals
Beyond the immediate clash, the incident reflects the growing intensity of political rivalry in Shimla’s civic administration. With questions over tenure, women’s reservation, and legislative procedures at the centre, the issue may not settle soon.
For residents of Shimla, however, the larger concern remains whether civic governance will move forward smoothly — or continue to be overshadowed by political confrontation.
As the debate shifts from slogans to legality, all eyes are now on the Governor’s decision and the legislative process that will ultimately determine the Mayor’s future.
