Himachal Pradesh passes Bill denying pensions to disqualified MLAs under anti-defection law

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu argued that the bill is necessary to uphold democratic principles and deter defections.

The bill specifically affects six former Congress MLAs - Sudhir Sharma, Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Rajinder Rana, Devinder Kumar Bhutto, Chetanya Sharma, and Ravi Thakur - who were disqualified in February for defying the party whip during critical budget discussions.

These six MLAs had supported the BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha elections and subsequently contested the bypolls on BJP tickets. Sudhir Sharma and Inder Dutt Lakhanpal were re-elected, while the other four lost their bids.

Himachal Pradesh becomes the first state to pass such a bill, which stipulates that individuals disqualified under the Tenth Schedule are ineligible for pensions. The bill, which was passed by voice vote, aims to address the lack of provisions in the 1971 Act to discourage defections and preserve democratic values.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu argued that the bill is necessary to uphold democratic principles and deter defections. However, opposition BJP members have criticized the bill as "political revenge" and questioned its retrospective application. They argue that the bill was introduced hastily and should be reviewed by a Select Committee. BJP leaders also contend that the disqualified MLAs were not defectors as they had not officially joined the BJP at the time of the Rajya Sabha vote.

Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi defended the bill, emphasising that it is essential to prevent defection and protect the democratic process. The bill will become law once it receives the governor's consent.