Dharamshala Gears up for India- England Cricket Test Match

: Category: Latest; Published: 23 February 2024

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Shimla: In a bid to strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Himachal Pradesh, a joint delegation comprising representatives from the British High Commission and the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) met with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today.

Led by Deputy Head of Mission of the British High Commission, Amandeep Grewal, and Political, Press, and Projects Adviser for the UK Government, Rajinder S. Nagarkoti, the delegation extended a warm invitation to the Chief Minister for a UK-HPCA joint reception scheduled for March 7, 2024, at the Cricket Stadium in Dharamshala.

This reception coincides with the commencement of the 5th Test Match between the cricket teams of India and England.

The reception aims to showcase a delightful fusion of British and Himachali cuisine while fostering stronger bilateral relations. Noteworthy guests expected to grace the occasion include the British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, among other distinguished personalities.

Expressing enthusiasm towards potential collaborations, Chief Minister Sukhu conveyed his keen interest in exploring partnerships with the UK across various sectors, including green hydrogen, electric vehicles, tourism, and water bodies.

He emphasized the need for close collaboration between the UK delegation and the state government to harness the expertise of the UK for mutual benefits.

Further discussions between the Himachal Pradesh government and the UK delegation are set to take place shortly, focusing on exploring the proposed collaborations to their fullest potential.

Director of HPCA, Surinder Thakur, also extended a warm invitation to the Chief Minister to witness the thrilling Test Match between India and England, adding to the excitement surrounding the upcoming events in Dharamshala.

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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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