Stricter anti-defection law needed to maintain people’s trust: Himachal Speaker

Kulwinder Sandhu

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, July 3

Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has called for strengthening the anti-defection law to ensure public representatives uphold democratic values and maintain the trust of the people. He addressed the annual conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, India Region Zone-II, organised by the Himachal Vidhan Sabha, this week.

After addressing the conference, the Speaker said, “There is a pressing need to make the anti-defection law more stringent and effective so that elected representatives could not disregard it.” He added that the Himachal Vidhan Sabha had recently passed a Bill stipulating that any member disqualified under the anti-defection law would not only lose his membership but would also be deprived of all facilities and pension benefit. Additionally, such a disqualified member would be barred from contesting elections for the next six years. The Bill was currently awaiting the Governor’s assent.

Pathania said, “Due to my decision on defection, six MLAs lost their membership and the High Court of Himachal Pradesh and the Supreme Court have upheld it.” He added that a stringent anti-defection framework would enable the government to function with stability and confidence throughout its full five-year term.

On governance challenges, he said, “We have resources but lack legal control over them. Without authority over our resources, how can we achieve development?” He added that state governments must be empowered to frame laws in accordance to their needs and the will of the people. And, the laws made by the Union Government under the concurrent list should not supersede the state laws.

He said that states must have a proportionate share in the incomes generated through their natural resources. He added that historical blunders needed to be rectified with suitable amendments.

Pathania said that the conference was a success, as it witnessed the participation of 38 delegates, including Speakers from eight state assemblies and the Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council.