Himachal Pradesh Assembly Passes Controversial Anti-Defection Pension Bill

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed a Bill that bars disqualified members under the Tenth Schedule from receiving pension. This move affects six former Congress MLAs disqualified for defying a party whip. Opposition BJP criticized the Bill, calling it politically motivated and questioned its retrospective implementation.

In a significant political development, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly has passed a Bill that aims to disqualify members from drawing pension if they are found guilty under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, an anti-defection law.

The Bill, which has triggered sharp responses, specifically impacts six former Congress MLAs who were disqualified for defying party directives during a crucial budget session. These MLAs had also supported a BJP nominee during the Rajya Sabha elections.

Opposition leaders from BJP have slammed the move as 'political revenge' and impractical due to its retrospective nature. However, government officials defend the Bill as a necessary measure to uphold democratic values and discourage defection.

(With inputs from agencies.)