HP Assembly speaker issues notice to Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan over comments on him

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India] September 27 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania has issued a formal notice to Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan, demanding that he either provide evidence to back his allegations or face the consequences under the assembly's privilege rules.
BJP leader Mahajan, during a recent visit to Chamba, made several political and personal remarks on Pathania. While Pathania chose to respond to the political statements with political arguments, he took strong exception to the personal accusations.
"As a constitutional office bearer and a five-time legislator, I do not need anyone's character certificate. Harsh Mahajan has failed to substantiate his claims with any factual evidence to the media," Pathania said.
Using his powers as Assembly Speaker, Pathania issued the notice, asserting that Mahajan must either prove his allegations or be prepared to face the assembly's privilege.

"He is no longer an old friend of mine. He switched parties before the elections, but the public chose to stand with the Congress. His actions reflect his frustration, which I cannot help alleviate. It is my right to ask him to substantiate his allegations, and if he fails, the assembly will decide on appropriate punishment," he warned.
Pathania emphasised that after the notice, a report would be submitted to the assembly for further action, adding that the process is straightforward and will lead to a decision on Mahajan's punishment.
On the recent Commonwealth Parliamentary Union Conference, Pathania said he also recently participated in the two-day India Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Union Conference held at Parliament House in New Delhi. The event, which concluded on September 24th, focused on the role of legislators in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
During the conference, Pathania emphasised the unique challenges faced by hill states like Himachal Pradesh in maintaining sustainability while fostering development.
"We are in a federal structure where all states are independent, and yet they form the Union. Legislatures must ensure that whatever growth we pursue is sustainable. Himachal Pradesh, for instance, has 65 per cent forest cover and 33 per cent cultivable land. While we are committed to preserving our forests, this also limits our ability to provide land to the landless," he said.
Pathania called on the Union government to provide special assistance to hill states, ensuring equitable distribution of resources.
"Sustainable growth can only be achieved if the Union supports the unique needs of states like Himachal Pradesh. Equal resource distribution is key to ensuring the development of all regions," he added further. (ANI)