Himachal Assembly Passes Controversial Anti-Defection Pension Bill

The Himachal Assembly has passed a bill preventing disqualified MLAs, due to the anti-defection law, from receiving pension. This affects six MLAs disqualified for cross-voting in favor of a BJP candidate. The bill, introduced by Chief Minister Sukhu, faced criticisms of political vengeance but aims to curb defection.

The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly has approved a bill aimed at denying pensions to MLAs disqualified under the anti-defection legislation. This contentious amendment directly impacts six MLAs, who crossed party lines in support of a BJP candidate during the February 2024 Rajya Sabha election.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu introduced the bill, emphasizing it was not motivated by partisan agendas but was a step towards ensuring elected members adhere to their mandate. However, BJP members criticized the amendment as politically driven and unlikely to withstand legal scrutiny.

The bill's provisions are designed to take effect after the current Assembly's tenure, with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan defending the move as a necessary measure against political defection. Despite opposition claims, Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi asserted the amendment followed extensive deliberations and was devoid of malicious intent.

(With inputs from agencies.)