Munish Sood
MANDI/SHIMLA:
In a sharp escalation of tensions between the Himachal Pradesh government and the Centre, state Cabinet Minister Anirudh Singh has directly called out Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, urging him to “visit the ground” in Himachal Pradesh before defending the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Anirudh Singh’s statement comes amid serious allegations against him for allegedly assaulting NHAI officials, charges he has vehemently denied, calling them “baseless and politically motivated”.
Speaking at a press conference in Shimla, the senior minister accused the NHAI of being “one of the most corrupt institutions in the country”, alleging that its unscientific and negligent construction practices have resulted in multiple deaths, widespread destruction and immense suffering for locals.
Minister alleges NHAI officials insult locals
“The NHAI doesn’t listen to elected representatives, doesn’t respond to disasters and doesn’t care about public welfare,” said Anirudh Singh. “Their officers have misbehaved with local people, even with women. And when confronted, they manipulate the narrative by filing false charges.”
In a direct challenge to the Centre, Anirudh Singh said, “A minister sitting in Delhi cannot understand the reality of our hills. Nitin Gadkari should come here and see the devastation for himself and only then can he judge the NHAI’s conduct.”
Allegations of assault and the minister’s rebuttal
Anirudh Singh is currently under fire for allegedly assaulting NHAI Manager Achal Jindal and another official during an on-site dispute. However, the minister has dismissed the allegations as “fabricated, conspiratorial and driven by a political agenda”.
“The officers who claim to have been assaulted never even went to hospital. There is no medical record. They told the SHO present on the site that nothing happened. What changed later?” Anirudh Singh questioned, suggesting that the FIR was an attempt to deflect attention from the NHAI’s failures.
He said more than 150 people, including forest officials, local residents, nd the SDM, were present at the site during the incident. “The tension began when NHAI officials misbehaved with locals, not the other way around. If anyone should be held accountable, it’s them,” he said.
Call for national policy on construction-linked damage
Using the controversy to pivot to a broader issue, Anirudh Singh called for the creation of a national policy to fix accountability for damages caused by highway construction, especially in ecologically fragile states like Himachal Pradesh.
“How many homes have been lost? How many people got compensation? Who is keeping count?” Anirudh Singh asked. “We need a transparent and accountable relief and rehabilitation framework — not just hollow promises and money-based settlements.”
Blames nexus between contractors, NHAI
The minister did not mince words in accusing a “deep nexus” between NHAI officials, contractors and the central government, which he claims has led to unchecked corruption and reckless, unscientific construction.
“This is not just about compensation,” Anirudh Singh said. “You cannot put a price tag on human lives and community suffering.” He demanded immediate action in all pending FIRs against NHAI in Himachal Pradesh, warning that “no one, however powerful, will be spared if found guilty.”
Taking a swipe at Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, Anirudh Singh questioned his response during last year’s floods. “Which affected regions did he visit? It’s easy to tweet and make statements from a safe distance. Leadership means being there with the people in crisis.”
Anirudh Singh confirmed that he had been summoned by the Chief Minister and will meet him shortly. He also plans to travel to Delhi to meet Nitin Gadkari personally and present his side of the story.
