CPM Leader Calls for "Commission of Inquiry" to Investigate Devastating Floods in Himachal Pradesh

: Category: Latest; Published: 21 July 2023

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SHIMLA: Former Deputy Mayor of Shimla and CPM leader, Tikender Singh Panwar, has demanded a "Commission of Inquiry" (CoI) to investigate the recent ravaging floods in Himachal Pradesh and the losses resulting from what he termed as “flawed development policies”.

In a letter sent to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Panwar emphasized the urgent need for systemic change and people-centric planning processes to ensure a brighter and more resilient future for the state.

Praising the government's efforts in mitigating the challenges posed by the floods, Panwar highlighted the necessity of addressing not just immediate demands but also the underlying processes that have led to the current situation.

He stressed that the CoI, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge preferably from Himachal Pradesh, should delve into the systemic failures in developmental trajectory, including aspects such as hydropower, tourism, and highway construction.

Speaking about the historical development models, Panwar differentiated between the era of Dr Y S Parmar's vision in the 70s and the post-90s liberalization period, which he argued has brought nightmares to the state in economic, ecological, environmental, and geographical terms.

He called for a major disruption in planning models and the adoption of new, sustainable approaches aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Panwar emphasized that the CoI would serve as a platform for massive engagement, involving the largest stakeholder - the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Through collective participation during the inquiry, the people would have a chance to shape their collective futures and contribute to framing new models of development.

Whether the government ultimately implements these findings or not would be a separate matter, but Panwar stressed the importance of meaningful dialogue with the citizens.

The CPM leader's call for a "Commission of Inquiry" has sparked discussions about the future of development in the state.

With Himachal Pradesh caught in a quagmire, Panwar's proposition aims to pave the way for a new beginning, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and the well-being of the people.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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CPM Leader Calls for "Commission of Inquiry" to Investigate Devastating Floods in Himachal Pradesh

He stressed that the CoI, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge preferably from Himachal Pradesh, should delve into the systemic failures in developmental trajectory, including aspects such as hydropower, tourism, and highway construction.

He called for a major disruption in planning models and the adoption of new, sustainable approaches aligned with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

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