Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], April 1 (ANI): The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday staged a walkout from the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, expressing dissatisfaction over the government's reply and the rejection of an adjournment motion on the contentious issue of changes in the Panchayati Raj reservation roster.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur alleged that the state government had "tampered with the democratic process" by making last-minute changes to the reservation roster ahead of the panchayat elections.

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Speaking to media persons in Shimla after the walkout, Thakur said, "The government deliberately delayed issuing the reservation roster and released a backdated notification late at night, which raises serious questions over the transparency of the entire process."

He further objected to a new provision allowing Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to alter the reservation roster by up to five per cent. "Panchayats are the basic units of democracy. Granting such discretionary powers is unjustified and can compromise the fairness of elections," he said.

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The matter was raised in the House through an adjournment motion moved by BJP MLA Randhir Sharma under Rule 67, seeking a detailed discussion on the issue. Although a brief discussion was later held under Rule 62, the opposition expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the government avoided a comprehensive debate.

Thakur claimed that while there were indications that the Chair acknowledged the seriousness of the matter, the House was adjourned instead. "This shows the government is trying to evade a detailed discussion on a critical issue," he added.

He also questioned the rationale behind introducing such a provision in panchayat elections when no similar system exists for urban local bodies. Accusing the government of favouritism, Thakur said, "This appears to be an attempt to benefit certain support and interfere in the reservation process."

Echoing similar concerns, Sharma termed the provision "unconstitutional" and alleged violations of the Panchayati Raj Act. Speaking to reporters after the walkout, he said, "There is no provision in the Constitution or the Panchayati Raj law that allows DCs to alter reservation by five per cent. The notification issued late on March 31 is completely unconconstitutional "

He further alleged that neither the State Election Commission was consulted nor were objections invited from the public. "This is a unilateral and authoritarian decision that undermines the autonomy of Panchayati Raj institutions," Sharma said.

Raising the issue of entry tax as well, Sharma claimed discrepancies between the rates announced in the Assembly and those notified later. "There are reports of overcharging at several barriers, leading to tensions in border areas. The government has failed to issue clear guidelines, resulting in arbitrary collections," he added.

The BJP termed both issues serious and demanded immediate corrective measures, warning that it would continue to raise the matter strongly in the coming days. (ANI)

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