Winter session ends amid high drama, protests & political one-upmanship

The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha, held in Dharamsala from November 26 to December 5, delivered eight days of intense political confrontation, loud protests and strategic positioning by both the BJP and the ruling Congress. Staying true to the nearly two-decade tradition started in 2005 by former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, the session once again brought the state’s political theatre to the winter capital — this time with noticeably sharper edges.

From the outset, the BJP adopted an aggressive stance, repeatedly cornering the Congress government on issues ranging from governance lapses to alleged discrimination against Opposition-held constituencies. The Congress responded in equal measure, resulting in near-daily clashes inside the House. The charged environment reflected not just legislative disagreements but the broader political anxiety as the government approaches the three-year mark, an informal midpoint that often sets the narrative heading into the next electoral cycle.

Outside the Assembly complex, the atmosphere was equally volatile. On November 28, pensioners launched a protest demanding resolution of long-pending grievances. Days later, on December 3, the OBC community blocked traffic outside Zorawar Stadium for several hours, amplifying their demands for better representation and welfare measures.

That same day, tensions escalated when ABVP activists attempted to breach police barricades in an effort to march towards the Assembly. The situation turned violent, forcing police to resort to a cane charge. Several students, police personnel and bystanders were injured in the melee.

The political temperature peaked on December 4 during the BJP’s Jan Aakrosh Rally at Zorawar Stadium, which drew a massive crowd. Senior leaders, including Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, state BJP chief Rajeev Bindal, former Union Minister Anurag Thakur and party MLAs, launched a blistering attack on the Sukhu government. They accused the Congress of corruption, anti-people decisions and discriminating against Opposition constituencies. The BJP also sharpened its criticism over the “Radhe Radhe” controversy, alleging that the Chief Minister had hurt religious sentiments by questioning schoolchildren’s greeting.

Inside the House, acrimony peaked with repeated verbal clashes between Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi and Jai Ram Thakur. Both accused each other of using offensive language, leading to privilege motions from both sides. The Speaker has deferred action until a detailed examination is completed.

Yet, in a rare moment of consensus, the concluding day witnessed MLAs from both parties joining hands outside the Assembly in a symbolic stand against the growing menace of chitta.

Meanwhile, the contentious proposal to amend Section 118 of the Tenancy and Land Records Act was referred to a select committee, defusing a potentially explosive debate for now.