Opposition targets Sukhu govt over delay in local body polls, alleges constitutional violations

On the opening day of the Winter Session of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly at Dharamshala on Wednesday, the Opposition came out strongly against the government by moving an adjournment motion over the postponement of Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections and the alleged confrontation with the State Election Commission.

The discussion quickly escalated into sharp political exchanges, with the opposition accusing the government of evading elections, undermining constitutional provisions, and misusing disaster-related provisions for political convenience.

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Initiating the debate, BJP MLA Randhir Sharma said that on Constitution Day, all members had taken an oath to uphold the Constitution, which clearly mandates conducting local body elections every five years.

He alleged that despite this, the government was hiding behind the Disaster Management Act to delay the polls. Pointing to contradictions, Sharma said that while a senior Congress leader travels across the country carrying a copy of the Constitution, its principles were being disregarded in the very state the party governs.

Sharma argued that the government’s justification for postponing elections was flawed.

Schools and anganwadis were functioning normally, and children were attending classes, he stated, questioning why their parents could not step out to vote.

He also criticised the government for citing road closures as a reason for the delay, calling it an admission of administrative failure.

People have voted even in the past when roads did not exist, he said, urging the government not to deprive citizens of their constitutional rights by giving excuses.

Accusing the government of misplaced priorities, Sharma said the worst-hit region during the recent disaster was Mandi, yet the government chose the same district to present events marking three years in office.

He claimed that crores of rupees meant for disaster relief were being used for the event. Referring to meeting records, he alleged that beneficiaries of various schemes were being bused in using HRTC vehicles and that the cost of their food and water was being charged to the Revenue Department under the Disaster Management Fund.

He said disaster relief funds received from the Centre were being diverted from affected families to government functions.

Sharma also criticised the government over its handling of communication with the State Election Commission.

He said the Commission had been sending letters about election preparedness, but instead of complying, the Urban Development Secretary wrote to the Commission seeking postponement of the polls.

He said the government was making excuses and even ignoring instructions to procure election materials.

With the model code of conduct already in force, the government’s proposal to restructure panchayats amounted to disrespecting a constitutional institution, he claimed.

Intervening in the debate, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu dismissed the allegations and said the government was not organising celebrations in Mandi but was presenting its governance vision. He said the Congress Party had always been the strongest guardian of the Constitution and had introduced the 73rd and 74th Amendments, ensuring timely local body elections.

He asserted that the government was functioning fully within constitutional limits and with complete transparency, and accused the opposition of creating unnecessary confusion over the election schedule.