The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Himachal Pradesh): In a recent development from Shimla, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla clarified his stance regarding the resignation of three Independent Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) – Hoshiyar Singh, Ashish Sharma, and K L Thakur. These MLAs had initially submitted their resignation letters to the assembly speaker on March 22 and subsequently appealed to the governor for intervention. Governor Shukla has forwarded these letters to the assembly speaker, stating that the decision to accept their resignations falls within the speaker’s jurisdiction.
Governor Shukla referred to Supreme Court verdicts related to similar situations in Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh to guide the speaker’s decision-making process. He emphasized the Raj Bhawan’s dignified stance and its limited role as a mediator in this context, devoid of direct authority over the matter.
The controversy stems from these MLAs’ support for the BJP in the Rajya Sabha elections on February 27, following which they tendered their resignations and aligned with the BJP. The assembly’s request for an explanation from these MLAs by April 10, citing concerns over the voluntary nature of their resignations, adds another layer to the unfolding political drama. The Congress Legislature Party alleges that these resignations were coerced, not voluntary.
The delay in processing their resignations prompted the Independent MLAs to protest at the Vidhan Sabha, demanding the immediate acceptance of their resignation letters. This situation has also drawn comments from the leader of the opposition, Jai Ram Thakur, who criticized potential pressures on the speaker from the Congress government and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, advocating for the prompt acceptance of the resignations as per legislative norms.
This incident reflects the intricate political maneuvering and legal intricacies surrounding MLA resignations, highlighting the balance of power between legislative bodies and the judiciary in interpreting and applying constitutional provisions. With the Congress party’s strength reduced in the assembly, the eventual decision on these resignations could significantly impact the political landscape in Himachal Pradesh.