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Himachal Assembly Adjourned Amid Uproar Over Pekhubela Project Allegations and Use of Unparliamentary Language
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Tuesday witnessed noisy scenes as treasury and opposition benches clashed over allegations related to the Pekhubela project and the use of objectionable language. Speaker Kuldeep Pathania was compelled to adjourn the House until 12:30 p.m. after repeated disruptions.
Shimla, Updated At : 16:37 PM Aug 26, 2025 IST
Tempers flared when the Speaker ruled that the word “corruption” cannot be used in the House unless backed by evidence. “Derogatory allegations made without citing relevant rules will not be allowed. Inflammatory or abusive words that create tension will not remain on record,” he declared, stressing that Assembly proceedings would be conducted strictly in line with established rules.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Speaker not to expunge his remarks regarding concessions granted during the previous BJP government, insisting that his administration has documentary evidence of irregularities.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur strongly objected to the charges leveled against his government over special packages provided to investors. The situation grew more heated after Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi made remarks against the Opposition leader, drawing sharp protests from BJP members.
Speaker Pathania also dismissed a privilege notice submitted by Congress MLA Sudhir Sharma against Chief Minister Sukhu, terming it inconsistent with rules and unsupported by evidence.
Emphasizing decorum, Pathania reminded members that the Assembly is a forum to raise public concerns, not a platform for political gains. “You may voice the concerns of the people, but what you say must remain within the framework of rules and free from political motives,” he said. He further clarified that unedited video recordings of members’ speeches would not be released until approved by the Assembly, to prevent objectionable words or unverified charges from spreading in the media.
On the Pekhubela project issue, the Speaker stated: “Allegations of irregularities will not go on record unless proven. You may allege corruption, but you cannot declare that corruption has occurred without substantiation.”
Asserting his constitutional authority, Pathania said: “The powers vested in me by the Constitution are final and beyond review. It is my duty as custodian of the House to uphold its dignity. Proceedings must run smoothly, but unsubstantiated allegations cannot form part of the record.”
