Monsoon session of Assembly likely to be held in Gairsain in Aug

DEHRADUN, 28 Jun: The Monsoon Session of the Uttarakhand Assembly is likely to be convened in Gairsain (Bhararisain) in August, with arrangements underway to table a supplementary budget during the session. According to highly placed sources, despite the anticipated heavy rainfall during the month, the government is considering Gairsain as the venue, given its status as the summer capital and the symbolic significance of holding Assembly sessions there during the warmer months.

It may be recalled that the State Cabinet, in its meeting last Wednesday, had approved the proposal to convene the session, authorising Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to finalise both the venue and dates. The sources claim that the session will likely be scheduled after the completion of the three-tier panchayat elections, which are to be held in July across 12 districts, excluding Haridwar. These elections were earlier delayed due to a legal matter concerning reservation norms, which ultimately resulted in a revision of the schedule.

It may be recalled that the previous Assembly session was held in Dehradun on February 22  this year. As per Constitutional requirements, the next session must be held within six months, i.e., by August 21, prompting the government to initiate preparations. Once the Panchayat elections conclude, the government is likely to focus on the Assembly session.

The forthcoming session is expected to accommodate additional allocations for ongoing development projects and new schemes proposed by the government. However, the administration may face challenges in ensuring smooth proceedings in the House, particularly with the opposition gearing up for a combative role.

The Legislative and Parliamentary Affairs portfolio currently rests with the Chief Minister himself. During the session, he may assign it to a senior minister, a move that will be closely watched by both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the opposition Congress. With political momentum shifting post the rural polls, the Congress is likely to adopt an assertive posture, further intensifying the dynamics of the upcoming Monsoon Session.