MLAs Seek Vehicle Flag Privileges in Himachal Pradesh:

MLAs Seek Vehicle Flag Privileges in Himachal Pradesh:

Dharamsala(Arvind Sharma )

A seemingly simple desire for flags on their vehicles has sparked a lively debate in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, highlighting legal considerations and political differences. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, responding to a discussion initiated by BJP MLA Trilok Jamwal, agreed to explore the possibility of allowing flags on MLA vehicles after consulting with the Speaker on legal constraints.

Jamwal argued that a 2021 amendment to the law pertaining to flag use on vehicles should allow MLAs the same privilege granted to other authorized officials. MLA Vinod Kumar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the practicality of flags for identification and public communication, especially in the current political climate. MLA Kewal Singh Pathania of the Congress party also expressed support for the flag proposal.

Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi took a more cautious stance, suggesting that if flags cannot be extended to MLAs, they should be removed from all other authorized vehicles to ensure consistency. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan acknowledged the longstanding nature of the issue and promised to address it swiftly.

Despite the Chief Minister’s openness to discussion, the outcome of this flag saga remains uncertain. Legal considerations play a key role, and consulting with the Speaker is a crucial step. Whether MLAs will ultimately be granted their flag-waving wish, or whether a uniform policy applies to all, remains to be seen.