Shimla : The ten-day monsoon session of the Vidhan Sabha began in Shimla on Tuesday with a confrontational start. The opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, was notably aggressive from the outset, signalling their intent to challenge the government on multiple issues throughout the session.
Thakur emphasized that the opposition was fully prepared to bring up several important matters, including law and order, corruption, and the government's unmet promises to the public. BJP leader Jairam Thakur said, "This is a ten-day session. We will raise several important issues including loss of lives and property due to heavy rains and deteriorated law and order situation in the state. Corruption is a also big issue on which discussion is needed. Just within two years of its rule, the employees are raising slogans against the CM. We will also discuss mob-lynching in Baddi."
Thakur addressed the House, stating that the opposition was ready to discuss a wide range of issues. He highlighted the opposition's strategy to bring attention to specific issues, particularly those related to law and order, mentioning a recent incident in Baddi where a boy died after being beaten. He also pointed out widespread corruption within the state's departments, alleging that no sector is free from graft.
"The opposition had already said that the Congress will not be able to fulfil the guarantee even in 10 births, which is being proved right somewhere today," he remarked.
He also questioned why the government, which claims to be struggling for economic growth, made promises it could not keep, adding that state employees now realize the benefits they had under the previous BJP government.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the opposition to engage constructively in the session instead of staging walkouts. "We have decided that instead of walking out, the opposition should seriously participate in the session. We request that the BJP bring up issues concerning farmers and youth, discuss the issue of corruption, and we will answer their questions," said Sukhu.
The Chief Minister's call for constructive participation was a direct appeal for unity and focus on addressing the pressing issues facing the state, while the opposition's stance indicates a tense and contentious session ahead.