Two-day U'khand Assembly session underway; Oppn stages protest

The state government is scheduled to present a supplementary budget of approximately ₹7,412 crore on the first day. The session is also expected to focus on legislative business, financial proposals and issues affecting the state’s development.

Proceedings began with tributes to former Chief Minister Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri and former minister Heera Singh Bisht.

Opposition Protests Outside Assembly

Congress and UKD leaders and workers staged protests against the state government, raising concerns over a range of public issues.

Police personnel were deployed at several locations, with barricades erected to manage the demonstrations and restrict access to sensitive areas.

Tensions were reported in the Jangalchatti area, where a heated exchange took place between police personnel and protesters.

Separately, several UKD workers were allegedly stopped at Simli, around 40 kilometres from the Assembly, after police put up barricades. The workers raised slogans against the government and alleged that they were being prevented from holding a peaceful demonstration.

The protests added to the political tensions surrounding the Assembly session, with Opposition parties seeking to highlight issues they say require the government’s attention.

Eight Bills Expected to Be Introduced

Alongside the supplementary budget, the state government is expected to introduce eight bills during the two-day session.

Financial and legislative matters are likely to form the central focus of proceedings, while Opposition members are expected to seek answers on issues affecting their constituencies and the state as a whole.

According to the information available ahead of the session, 31 MLAs have submitted 445 questions for consideration. These questions cover a range of public concerns and development-related issues on which legislators have sought responses from the government.

The proceedings are expected to provide an opportunity for members to raise constituency-level concerns and seek clarification on government policies and implementation.

Speaker Appeals for Cooperation

Ahead of the session, Assembly Speaker Ritu Khanduri appealed to political parties to cooperate in ensuring the smooth functioning of the House during the limited sitting.

The Congress, however, remained absent from the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee, which helps determine the Assembly’s agenda and schedule.

With the supplementary budget, eight proposed bills and hundreds of questions on the agenda, the session is expected to see discussions on financial priorities, legislative proposals and public issues amid continued Opposition protests.