Replying to the debate on an Adjournment Motion brought under Rule 67 regarding the delay in gram panchayat and local bodies’ elections on the first day of the Winter Session, Sukhu said, “The Disaster Management Act, 2005, is above the State Election Commission. Panchayat elections will be held only when the Act is lifted from the state.”

“New gram panchayats are being formed, and the process is underway. Notifications will be issued shortly,” he said.

BJP MLAs Randhir Sharma, Surender Shourie, and Jeet Ram Katwal brought the adjournment motion in the House Wednesday.

Sukhu pointed out that the Act provides special powers to the state government, particularly under Section 21. “From today, the State Election Commission cannot issue any directions to the state government. Any orders of the SEC contrary to the DMA do not apply,” he said.

The Disaster Management Act was enforced in the state in the aftermath of the June 2025 natural disaster.

Panchayat elections and local bodies elections are due in January 2026.

The Himachal Chief Minister said the government began its routine proceedings in June this year, and the SEC initiated its processes at the same time. “We never imagined that this year we would face a bigger disaster than 2023,” he said, adding that the government never instructed deputy commissioners to ignore State Election Commission communications.

Sukhu recalled that during the disaster, he remained in constant touch with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, especially as Mandi was among the worst-affected districts. “Barely a month later, another disaster struck Manimahesh in Chamba district, where our Revenue Minister was stationed throughout. After Chamba, Kullu and Kangra were hit,” he added.

Sukhu said that whenever the Disaster Management Act is invoked, instructions are issued to deputy commissioners accordingly. “The apple season was completely ruined due to damaged roads. In such circumstances, how could I ask DCs to focus on panchayat election duties? Still, we never issued any such direct orders. Our first priority was to restore normalcy,” he said.

He said DCs were advised to request the SEC to defer certain election-related activities in view of the DMA.

Meanwhile, Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh said panchayat elections would be held within the mandated time frame. He clarified that the reservation roster approved in 2010 would continue, and the elections would be conducted on the basis of the 2011 Census.