Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has accused former Hamirpur Independent MLA Ashish Sharma of engaging in corruption and colluding with the BJP to topple the democratically elected Congress government.
Addressing an election rally for Congress candidate Dr Pushpinder Verma in multiple pockets of Hamirpur Assembly constituency, Chief Minister Sukhu asserted that Ashish, who is the BJP candidate, functioned more as a contractor than a public servant.
He alleged that during the BJP government, Sharma handled contracts worth Rs 50 crore, which escalated to Rs 135 crore within 14 months under the Congress government.
Sukhu criticised Ashish for “continuously pressuring” for tenders and misleading the public into believing that the government was inactive.
Describing Ashish as “greedy” and “manipulative”, Sukhu claimed that the former MLA’s intentions were self-serving, leading him to align with the BJP and actively plot against the Congress government since July last year.
He highlighted Ashish’s alleged involvement in facilitating Operation Lotus and accused him of attempting to destabilise the government.
The Chief Minister emphasised his administration’s commitment to combating corruption and promoting development in Hamirpur. He highlighted various initiatives undertaken, including the revitalisation of Gandhi Chowk and the expansion of road infrastructure.
Addressing the electorate, the CM urged voters to support Congress candidate Pushpinder Verma, promising comprehensive development for the constituency.
In response, Verma condemned Ashish’s actions, labelling his resignation and subsequent candidacy as a political charade aimed at retaining power through dubious means.
The campaign event saw the presence of several notable figures, including Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, MLA Suresh Kumar and other local leaders.
