The Himachal Pradesh Sports Bill passed, amidst ruckus from the opposition

The picturesque HPCA stadium in Dharamshala

Amidst strong protests by the opposition BJP, the Himachal Pradesh assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Sports (Registration, Recognition and Regulations of Associations) Bill 2015, on Thursday via voice vote.

The BJP legislators were seen raising slogans against the ruling Congress party in the wall of the house when the bill was being passed. The opposition claimed that the bill was passed by the Congress in order to target the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association(HPCA). They further alleged that the government were using this bill as a means to acquire a control over sports associations in the state.

The commotion over the bill began when the opposition demanded for more time to discuss the bill and said that if it isn't possible on Thursday, then it should be carried forward to Friday. The Speaker, BB Butail, though had other ideas and declined the suggestion.

Aim behind the bill to support associations in the state: Chief Minister

Few comments made by the deputy speaker Jagat Singh Negi left the members of the opposition seething and that prompted them to come down to the wall of the house, with raised slogans. On realising that the opposition was in no mood to stop, the Speaker began the proceedings to pass the bill by halting the discussions on the bill midway. Amid the ruckus, the speaker adjourned the house for lunch.

While presenting the bill, the chief minister of the state, Virbhadra Singh said that the objective behind it was to ensure that associations functioned more transparently and also extend support to sports associations. He also said that through the bill, it would also be ensured that elections are held in sporting bodies democratically once every four years and they maintain accurate records of their accounts.

While taking part in the discussion, BJP legislator Suresh Bhardwaj said that the state government was trying to bind the sports associations. He further said that the bill was against the Olympic Charter and once it gets implemented, it would make it difficult for sportspersons from Himachal Pradesh to participate in events like the Olympics.

Another BJP legislator Randhir Sharma said that the government wanted to take over the cricketing affairs of the state at any cost.

"The government wants to control the state cricket association at any cost," he said.