The opening day of the Uttarakhand Assembly’s monsoon session descended into chaos as Congress MLAs disrupted proceedings, accusing the BJP government of election rigging and a breakdown of law and order. The uproar led to repeated adjournments, preventing the House from taking up most of its scheduled business.
Chaos in the House
On the very first day of the session at Bhararisain in Gairsain, opposition members stormed the well of the House, tore official documents, and shouted slogans against the government. Despite repeated appeals from Speaker Ritu Khanduri Bhushan to restore order, the protests continued, forcing multiple adjournments.
Issues Raised by Congress
The Congress MLAs demanded immediate debate on:
-
Alleged irregularities and violence during the recent zila panchayat elections in Nainital, including claims of abductions.
-
The government’s perceived failure in maintaining law and order, pointing to rising violence in local polls.
The opposition accused the BJP of undermining democracy at the grassroots level and eroding public trust.
Limited Business Conducted
Despite the ruckus, the House carried out only two items of business on its first day:
-
A condolence resolution.
-
The tabling of the ₹5,315 crore supplementary budget, with allocations for disaster relief, major infrastructure projects, and pre-Kumbh Mela preparations.
Other legislative discussions could not take place due to disruptions.
Government’s Stand
Cabinet ministers criticised the opposition’s conduct, arguing it had derailed serious legislative work. “The government is committed to transparency and development. The opposition is only seeking to create unrest,” said a senior BJP leader.
What Lies Ahead
The Speaker has urged all members to ensure constructive debate in the coming days. Political analysts note that the turbulent start reflects a charged political climate in Uttarakhand, with controversies from grassroots elections spilling into the Assembly floor.
