BJP Accuses Congress of Violating Election Code in Himachal Pradesh Cabinet Meeting
Shimla: BJP hits out at Congress over cabinet meeting amid model code of conduct
Image: Hindustan Times
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government of violating the model code of conduct by holding a cabinet meeting during ongoing local elections. The BJP filed a complaint with the state election commission, claiming that decisions made could influence voters, while Congress defended the meeting as routine and compliant with existing regulations.
- 01The cabinet meeting on May 22 approved a monthly pension of ₹1,500 for women from families earning less than ₹2 lakh annually.
- 02BJP's complaint alleges that the cabinet's decisions were aimed at influencing the outcome of ongoing panchayati raj elections.
- 03Congress officials argue that the approved schemes are ongoing and do not constitute a violation of the electoral code.
- 04The cabinet also approved a 24-hour operation for shops and increased retirement age for medical college professors from 62 to 63 years.
- 05BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan called for the election commission to review the cabinet's decisions and suspend their implementation until elections conclude.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, faced accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over a cabinet meeting held on May 22 during the model code of conduct for ongoing urban local bodies and panchayati raj elections. The BJP claims that the meeting, which approved several public welfare initiatives, violates electoral norms designed to ensure fair elections. Notably, the cabinet approved a monthly pension of ₹1,500 for women from families with an annual income below ₹2 lakh, impacting around 35,000 beneficiaries already receiving assistance under the 'Indira Gandhi Pyari Behna Sukh Samman Nidhi Yojana'. Other decisions included allowing shops to operate 24 hours and raising the retirement age for medical professors from 62 to 63 years. BJP officials, including Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, emphasized that these decisions could sway voters and demanded an investigation by the state election commission. In contrast, Congress representatives defended the meeting, asserting that all approved schemes were ongoing and did not violate the electoral code, emphasizing the necessity of urgent cabinet approvals for administrative matters.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The decisions made during the cabinet meeting could significantly influence the electoral landscape in Himachal Pradesh, potentially affecting voter sentiment and outcomes in the ongoing elections.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you believe the Congress government violated the model code of conduct?
Connecting to poll...
More about Bharatiya Janata Party
TDP and Allies Gear Up for Rajya Sabha Elections in Andhra Pradesh
Hindustan Times • May 23, 2026
Rajya Sabha Elections Scheduled for June 18 as NDA Aims for Upper House Strengthening
Hindustan Times • May 23, 2026
BJP Leader N Ramchander Rao Criticizes KTR Over POCSO Case Controversy
Asianet Newsable • May 23, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.