Chaos in Himachal Assembly: BJP Protest Over Funds Sparks Heated Showdown

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly’s winter session turned into a theatre of confrontation on Thursday, as BJP legislators stormed the House over the alleged withholding of MLA Area Development Funds. What began as a protest outside quickly spilled into the Assembly, setting the stage for fiery exchanges that forced the Speaker to adjourn proceedings until after lunch.

The drama unfolded at 10:30 a.m., when BJP MLAs, armed with cutouts, encircled the government in protest against stalled development allocations. By 11 a.m., the tension had carried into the session, with the opposition demanding that the question hour be taken up before any other business.

For nearly half an hour, arguments raged until the Speaker ruled that all questions would be considered read, paving the way for a debate on an adjournment motion. But the discussion soon turned combative, especially when Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi accused the BJP of misleading the public and failing to secure central aid for disaster relief. He alleged that machinery in Thunag was staged as part of a “drama” and claimed funds meant for relief were diverted among BJP workers. Negi demanded that Leader of the Opposition Jairam Thakur present a white paper on the issue.

Thakur, who was outside the House, rushed back in to respond but was asked by the Speaker to wait until the minister finished. His visible displeasure ignited further protests, with BJP MLAs chanting slogans and surrounding the podium. The uproar escalated as Thakur moved toward the Chief Minister’s seat, leading to a complete breakdown of order.

With the shouting showing no signs of subsiding, the Speaker adjourned the House until after lunch. The chaotic scenes underscored the widening rift between the ruling and opposition benches, with the BJP vowing to intensify its protests in the days ahead over development funds and delayed Panchayat elections.