A teacher posted in a government school in Himachal Pradesh has been suspended for participating in an election rally. The incident came to light when photos of Prashant Sharma, a teacher from Government High School at Malgaon in Sirmaur district, surfaced on social media, showing him at a BJP election rally alongside state BJP president Rajiv Bindal, other leaders and Shimla Lok Sabha poll candidate Suresh Kashyap. This event took place in the Nahan Assembly constituency.
The District Election Officer received a complaint through the C-Vigil app about Sharma’s involvement in the rally, alleging a violation of the model code of conduct. An investigation was initiated by the Election Commission, which sought a response from Sharma. However, his reply was deemed unsatisfactory.
Sumit Khimta, the District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur, confirmed the action: “Pictures of a teacher of Government High School Malgaon with BJP candidates and leaders surfaced on social media.
After this, the Election Commission received a complaint. Taking action on the complaint, the teacher has been suspended for violating the model code of conduct.”
Following the investigation, the Election Commission issued a directive to the Education Department to take disciplinary action. Rajiv Thakur, the Deputy Director of the Elementary Education Department in Sirmaur, stated:
“Taking action on the letter received from the Election Commission, Prashant Sharma, posted on the post of Shastri in Government High School Malgaon, has been suspended.”
During his suspension, Sharma’s headquarters has been reassigned to GSSS, Shillai.
