SHIMLA, APRIL, 2: Legislators in Himachal Pradesh who are disqualified under the anti-defection law will no longer be eligible for state pensions following the passage of a new amendment bill. The state assembly approved the measure by voice vote, marking a shift in how the state handles the financial benefits of ousted lawmakers.
The Speaker noted that the assembly had examined the issue in light of Supreme Court directives and precedents set by the Lok Sabha before proceeding. Government officials affirmed that while the law aims to create a strong deterrent against defectors, the amendment will not impose any additional financial burden on the state exchequer.
“This is being done with an objective of revenge,” stated Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur. He and other BJP members, including Trilok Jamwal and Randheer Sharma, asserted that the law is legally flawed and cited previous judicial precedents where similar legislative actions were overturned.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu maintained that the state has witnessed the erosion of democratic values and that the new law is a corrective measure. He affirmed that the legislation is a prospective step designed to ensure that the will of the voters is respected by their representatives.
The treasury benches affirmed that the move is a vital component of electoral reform in the state. Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan stated that the legislation remains necessary to discourage political maneuvering, regardless of the opposition’s claims of political vendetta.
