Claims Governor, CM also host govt-funded events; BJP slams misuse of public money
Shimla: Defending his decision to send a ₹1.22-lakh bill for a Holi lunch party to the General Administration Department (GAD), Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena has said there is “nothing unusual” about the government paying for such events.
Speaking to the correspondent of an English newspaper, Saxena said that such gatherings were “routinely hosted by the Governor, Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and Deputy Commissioners”.
He clarified that the March 14 event at state-run Hotel Holiday Home in Shimla was “not a private party for his relatives, but a lunch hosted for officers”, and was in line with established administrative practice.
Party days before Chief Secretary’s scheduled retirement
“The Chief Secretary is authorised to host such events. The food was also arranged for drivers and staff, as is customary,” he said.
The party, held just two weeks before Saxena’s scheduled retirement on March 31 (he was later given an unprecedented six-month extension), has stirred a political storm after the bill was routed to the GAD.
The news of the party and the use of public funds has gone viral on social media, with critics accusing the state’s top bureaucrat of setting the wrong precedent at a time when Himachal Pradesh is grappling with a debt of over ₹1 lakh crore.
The controversy escalated after reports revealed the lunch was attended by around 75 guests, including IAS officers and their families, with expenses billed to the exchequer.
The opposition BJP has seized the opportunity to slam the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government, accusing it of administrative excess and fiscal irresponsibility.
“This is a blatant misuse of public funds. It shows how out of touch the bureaucracy and government are with public suffering,” said former minister and BJP MLA Bikram Thakur.
BJP seeks protection for journalist who exposed event
Bikram Thakur also demanded full protection and institutional support for the journalist who first reported on the Holi party.
“At a time when freedom of expression is under pressure in Himachal, this journalist has shown commendable courage. The state must ensure there is no indirect retaliation or intimidation,” he said.
Bikram Thakur warned the government against any attempts to silence the media and called the journalist’s report a vital act of public accountability. “Suppressing the truth will only further erode public trust in governance,” he said.
Calling for an impartial investigation into the matter, he argued that the Holi gathering violated the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandate honesty, impartiality, and responsible use of public resources.
“The government must uphold the principles of transparency and discipline. This incident is a test of its commitment to ethical governance,” he added.
S Gopal Puri
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