Shimla, Aug. 18 -- The 12-day-long monsoon session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly commenced on Monday in Shimla, with Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania convening an all-party meeting attended by Industry and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshvardhan Chauhan and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur.

Speaking after the meeting, Speaker Pathania expressed hope that there would be a conducive session.

"Representatives of both parties participated in the meeting. This time the session is longer and there are many subjects to be taken up. Both parties have assured cooperation to ensure the smooth conduct of proceedings. I hope the session goes well. Everyone will get full time to present their views," he said.

The opposition has declared tha...