Opposition Protests Against Land Law Amendments in Himachal Pradesh Assembly

The winter session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly began with intense protests from BJP MLAs against amendments to Section 118 of the land laws. They accused the Congress government of jeopardizing the state's integrity by allowing outsiders to purchase land. Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur criticized the government's handling of disaster funds and condemned the burning of a Prime Minister's effigy during protests. As tensions rise, the debate over land regulations is expected to dominate the session, signaling a contentious political climate in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 14:10 IST

Opposition Voices Concerns Over Land Law Changes

S Gopal Puri
Dharamshala: The Himachal Pradesh Assembly's winter session commenced with significant tension on Thursday (December 4, 2025), as BJP MLAs launched a vigorous protest within the Vidhan Sabha complex. They accused the Congress government, led by Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, of effectively 'selling' Himachal by advancing amendments to Section 118 of the state's land regulations.

Under the leadership of Opposition Leader Jai Ram Thakur, BJP members carried placards and shouted slogans, claiming that the government was 'celebrating three years in power with disaster funds' while the state faced unprecedented losses from calamities.

Thakur remarked, 'The entire state has suffered due to disasters, yet the government is preoccupied with celebrations. By modifying Section 118, they are paving the way to sell Himachal.' He characterized the protest as the launch of a statewide campaign against what he described as 'three years of administrative failure.'

Accusations of Political Exploitation

Thakur further accused the Congress administration of leveraging natural disasters for political gain, noting visible public dissatisfaction. 'Activists from ABVP, pensioners, the OBC community, visually impaired individuals, and others have taken to the streets in opposition to this government,' he stated.

The BJP opposes the proposed changes to land-transfer regulations, arguing that they would facilitate large-scale land acquisitions by outsiders, potentially altering the state's demographic and economic landscape.

Condemnation of Effigy Burning Incident

Thakur also criticized a recent incident in Shimla where an effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was burned during a protest, demanding to know who authorized such an act. 'This is unacceptable. What grounds were used to grant permission? Officials must adhere to their responsibilities,' he asserted.

The BJP has organized a significant demonstration at Zorawar Stadium later today, rallying under the slogan: 'Vyavastha ke teen saal — badlo badlo bhrasht sarkar' (Three years of systemic decay — overthrow this corrupt government).

As the Assembly session progresses and political tensions rise, the debate surrounding Section 118 is poised to dominate the winter session, indicating a contentious period ahead for the hill state.