Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes Condemnation Motion Against BJP MLA

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a motion condemning BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal for making remarks against Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania. The motion, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, emphasized the impropriety of questioning the Speaker's reputation. Speaker Pathania defended his impartiality and upheld assembly rules.

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday moved to pass a condemnation motion against BJP MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal. The motion came in response to derogatory remarks cast by Lakhanpal against Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who subsequently expunged the comments.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan spearheaded the motion following the House's lunch break. Chauhan emphasized that questioning the Speaker in such a manner was inadmissible and accused the BJP of attempting to tarnish Pathania's reputation. He cited the February 28, 2024 incident when BJP members allegedly threw papers to destabilize the government.

Speaker Pathania defended his longstanding impartiality and integrity, noting he often allocates more speaking time to the opposition than the treasury benches. He reminded BJP members of the rules and urged them to remove their black badges, a protest against the Speaker. Despite BJP's Jai Ram Thakur seeking to speak, Pathania proceeded with the next agenda item, maintaining order in the House.

(With inputs from agencies.)