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3 BJP MLAs suspended for sitting on Speaker’s chair and create ruckus on second day of HP Assembly session
The entire day was wasted in slogan-shouting and drama created by the MLAs. The debate on the centre’s decision of demonetization of high currency notes was also conducted in the absence of the opposition.
SHIMLA- On the second day of winter session of Himachal Pradesh Assembly at Tapovan in Kangra district, three MLAs of the Bhartiya Janata Paty (BJP) were reportedly suspended for rest of the session for violating the dignity of the house by sitting on chair of the Speaker, Brij Bihari Lal Butail in his absence and announcing adjournment of the house after which the opposition left the house.
As per reports, the opposition moved the motion demanding debate on corruption cases against the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, which was denied by the speaker saying the matter is sub-judice and pending in the Delhi High Court.
BJP MLAs, Suresh Bhardwaj, Dr. Rajeev Bindal, and Randhir Sharma protested against rejection of the motion and reached Speaker’s podium twice and raised slogans demanding the discussion claiming that the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has dismissed CM’s appeal in the I-T returns case and the CBI has also completed its charge-sheet. So, therefore, the matter is hardly sub-judice, said the opposition. There was exchange of furious comments from both sides. The speaker had to adjourn the proceedings of the house for 15 minutes due to ruckus created by the MLAs.
Reportedly, before the Speaker could returned to the seat to continue the session, Suresh Bhardwaj reportedly sat on the Speaker’s chair and said, “the house is adjourned for the day”. Before, the session could be resumed, all MLAs including Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal left the house.
The speaker and MLAs of ruling party including the CM termed the incident as unfortunate and said that the dignity of the house was compromised openly. Later, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mukesh Agnihotri moved a motion and said that no one can occupy the chair of the Speaker without permission. Moreover, Agnihotri added, when the Deputy Speaker was present in the house, no one can sit on Speaker’s chair. The motion was accepted and aforesaid MLAs were suspended for rest of the assembly session.
The Chief Minster said it was the first time that he witnessed such absurdity in the house. It’s a matter of shame that all of it happened in the presence of leader opposition P.K. Dhumal, who have been on the CM chair twice.
It’s Not the First Time: Dhumal
Defending his party, Dhumal criticized the CM for claiming that that it was the first time that such ruckus was created in the HP Assembly. He reminded that in 1979, similar scene was witnessed. He also said that during last session, the Congress MLAs had torn apart documents and had created so much drama that one of BJP’s MLAa had broken his finger. The current trend in the house reminds of the emergency imposed during the tenure of Indira Gandhi, said Dhumal.
The entire day was wasted in slogan-shouting and drama created by the MLAs. The debate on the centre’s decision of demonetization of high currency notes was also conducted in the absence of the opposition.
Solan—In a shocking incident on Monday, an 18-year-old youth, Pravesh, survived a vicious leopard attack in Sarli village of Arki subdivision. The teenager reportedly fought the leopard for nearly 12 minutes before breaking its jaw, killing the animal on the spot.
Quick Thinking Saved His Life
Pravesh told the media that he was walking from the fields to a nearby shop in the morning to fetch milk when the leopard, hidden in the crops, lunged at him. Noticing the leopard’s tail, he attempted to run but fell after a short distance. During the attack, he covered his neck with his hands to protect himself from fatal bites.
The teenager continued to struggle with the leopard, repeatedly attempting to put distance between himself and the predator. In a desperate move, he grabbed the leopard by its mouth, twisted its jaw, and broke it, killing the animal instantly. Pravesh sustained multiple injuries, including deep claw marks, and is currently receiving treatment at Arki Hospital. Police and forest department teams have launched an investigation into the incident.
Serious Allegations of HP Forest Department’s Negligence
One of Pravesh’s relatives accused the forest department of negligence, noting that similar attacks had occurred in the area previously.
Earlier, a leopard had attempted to attack a scooter rider, who managed to escape. The family said they had informed the forest department on March 6 about potential danger, but no concrete action was taken. Villagers waited for three hours for a forest team to arrive, but none came. When the Block Officer eventually visited, he reportedly told villagers to ensure their own safety. Requests for cages to capture the leopard were also denied, with officials asking for written complaints instead.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across Himachal Pradesh over the next two weeks, with isolated heavy to very heavy showers likely over the low hills, plains, and adjoining mid-hill regions. While the ongoing monsoon remains vital for agriculture, it also brings an elevated risk of localized flooding and landslides.
Week of August 8–14
Maximum temperatures will range from 22°C to 34°C, depending on elevation—22°C to 28°C in high hills, 26°C to 30°C in mid-hills, and up to 34°C in lower regions. Minimum temperatures are expected to remain near normal, between 12°C and 24°C. Cooler conditions may persist in districts like Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti.
Week of August 15–21
Similar rainfall patterns are expected to continue, with scattered heavy rain episodes. Temperature trends will remain stable, though slightly below-normal maximum temperatures are likely in parts of Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu districts.
Outlook for Late August
Rainfall is expected to remain broadly normal, with region-specific variations. Districts such as Kinnaur, Shimla, and Sirmaur may see below-normal precipitation, while Una, Kangra, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, and Solan are likely to receive above-average rainfall. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to stay close to seasonal norms.
Officials at the Meteorological Centre in Shimla have urged residents and local authorities to remain alert for sudden heavy downpours, which could disrupt road connectivity and trigger landslides—especially along vulnerable hillside routes. Past monsoon episodes have blocked key highways, including routes between Mandi and Kullu and near Banjar, underscoring the ongoing challenges in the region.
This advisory comes as Himachal Pradesh continues to face the dual pressures of sustaining its agriculture-dependent economy while managing the life and infrastructure risks posed by an active monsoon. Continued vigilance and preparedness remain crucial.
SHIMLA | 7 August 2025 –Himachal Pradesh continues to deal with the impacts of the 2025 monsoon season, reporting extensive property damage, loss of lives, and widespread disruptions across the state. According to the official reports from the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), the Department of Revenue, and the India Meteorological Department, from June 20 to August 6, 2025, heavy monsoon rains caused significant damage across multiple districts:
- Casualties: 199 deaths due to landslides, flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, lightning, electrocution, and accidents; 304 injuries reported.
- Property Loss: Extensive damage to houses (both pucca and kaccha), shops, factories, labor sheds, animal shelters, and substantial crop losses in agriculture and horticulture.
- Public Infrastructure: Over ₹1,900 crore in damages to roads (including PWD), power supply, health, education, fisheries, rural and urban development, and animal husbandry.
Most affected districts include Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur, with severe crop and infrastructure losses.
Additionally, 91 deaths occurred due to monsoon-related road accidents.
Public Utilities and Infrastructure Disruptions
The SEOC report dated August 7, 2025, highlights ongoing disruptions:
- Roads Blocked: About 493 major roads and 3 national highways (NH-305, NH-21, NH-05) remain blocked by landslides and floods.
- Power Supply: Disruption of 1,120 distribution transformers (DTRs).
- Water Supply: 245 water schemes affected, threatening access to potable water for communities.
Key blockages include NH-21 between Mandi and Kullu and NH-305 near Banjar and Jhed.
Weather Forecast and Warnings
The India Meteorological Department’s forecast valid from August 7, 2025, includes:
- Isolated heavy rainfall expected throughout the week.
- Thunderstorms and lightning predicted in isolated areas.
- Minimum temperatures near normal or slightly below.
- Maximum temperatures showing a moderate increase.
The public is urged to remain vigilant due to the risks of further landslides and flash floods.
Himachal Pradesh remains vulnerable as the monsoon season continues, with thousands affected by damage, displacement, and disruption of essential services. Authorities are continuing with rescue and recovery operations and are urging residents to stay alert to the ongoing adverse weather. This situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and disaster management strategies to mitigate monsoon-related risks.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
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