Himachal Assembly Turns Into Protest Ground as Congress and BJP Trade Barbs Over Inflation and Himcare
Political temperatures rose sharply in Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday as the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Assembly witnessed parallel protests by both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP within the Assembly complex. While Congress leaders accused the Centre of burdening citizens with rising prices, the BJP targeted the state government over the implementation of the Himcare health scheme.
Led by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Congress legislators staged a demonstration highlighting inflation and the growing financial strain on ordinary families. The ruling party used the occasion to criticise Central government policies, arguing that rising prices of essential goods continue to impact household budgets across the country.
On the other side, BJP MLAs, under the leadership of Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, raised concerns over the functioning of the Himcare scheme and other governance-related issues. The opposition questioned the state’s handling of the healthcare initiative and signalled that it would continue to press the government for answers inside the Assembly.
The unusual sight of both parties protesting simultaneously underscored the increasingly confrontational atmosphere surrounding the Monsoon Session. Outside the House, lawmakers from both camps sought to strengthen their political narratives and draw public attention to issues they consider most pressing.
For Congress, the spotlight remained firmly on inflation and the economic challenges faced by citizens. The BJP, meanwhile, focused on government accountability and the effectiveness of welfare schemes, particularly Himcare.
With the session still underway, the rivalry between the two parties appears set to intensify. As debates continue inside the Assembly, Himachal is likely to witness more political sparring over rising prices, public welfare, healthcare delivery, and governance in the days ahead.
