The Himachal Pradesh assembly took a significant step by passing the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (Allowances and Pensions) Amendment Bill 2024. This bill revokes pension benefits for MLAs who have been disqualified for violating the party whip, particularly targeting those who switch parties for personal or political gain. State Minister Vikramaditya Singh highlighted that the bill's purpose is to create a deterrent against future instances of party betrayal within the Himachal Pradesh political landscape.
Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu further supported the amendment by emphasizing that this move will reinforce democracy by holding politicians accountable for their actions. The bill specifically addresses a group of six disqualified Congress MLAs who had violated party instructions in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. The bill's passage, however, faced criticism from opposition MLAs who argued that the amendment was politically motivated and urged for its withdrawal, showcasing the contentious nature of the legislative decision-making process.