TNR Desk
Four-time Himachal Pradesh MLA Sudhir Sharma, who recently switched from the Congress to the BJP, has approached the Kangra police for lodging an FIR against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for alleged criminal defamation and misleading the masses through his statements on horse-trading.
Sudhir two days ago sent a legal notice to the CM seeking ₹5 crore damages for allegedly peddling wrong information that each of the six Congress dissidents took ₹15 crore each for cross-voting in favour of the BJP in the recent Rajya Sabha election.
In his complaint to the Kangra Superintendent of Police, Sudhir said, “I am writing to bring to your attention a serious matter of criminal defamation and misleading the masses involving Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
I am a former minister and four-time MLA contesting byelections from Dharamshala on the BJP ticket.
Recently, a video and media reports have surfaced in my constituency, falling under your jurisdiction, regarding a misleading speech delivered by Chief Minister Sukhu at Kutlehar area of Una district on April 4, 2024.
In his public address, Chief Minister Sukhu reportedly disseminated false information to the masses for his personal gains.
He alleged that MLAs were sold for ₹15 crore each, a baseless accusation aimed at me and other MLAs who recently joined the BJP and are contesting elections to ensure public welfare.”
The former MLA alleged that it was deeply concerning that public funds were utilised by the Chief Minister to travel to Kutlehar and spread lies and misleading information.
“His speech, lacking any evidence, has created offensive content that has spread widely, both within the state and beyond. Such defamatory statements by a person of the Chief Minister’s stature are highly irresponsible and have caused significant harm to my reputation, as well as to the sentiments of my family and supporters.
Given the seriousness of this matter and the impact it has had, I urge you to take immediate action and register an FIR against Chief Minister Sukhu for criminal defamation and misleading the masses in his capacity as a public servant.
I am committed to pursuing justice in this case and trust that you will handle this matter with the utmost urgency and diligence,” he said.
