BJP Walkout in Himachal Pradesh: Alleged Fund Transfers Spark Protests

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly experienced a dramatic walkout by BJP members during the budget session, protesting alleged fund transfers to women's groups during elections. BJP claims the government failed to provide clear responses about these transactions, which allegedly violated the Model Code of Conduct during the Dehra by-election.

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly descended into chaos as the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a walkout on the fourth day of the budget session. The move was prompted by BJP MLA Ashish Sharma's inquiry into alleged fund transfers to women's groups during the Dehra by-election, claims which the government failed to address satisfactorily.

Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur accused the government of obfuscation, claiming that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu offered an incomplete response. Thakur alleged that funds were deposited into Mahila Mandals' accounts on polling days, constituting a breach of election rules.

Demanding transparency, the BJP is set to escalate the issue, potentially taking legal action and appealing to the Election Commission. Sharma criticized the timing and legitimacy of these transactions, raising concerns about misuse of power and political corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)