Shimla, December 7, 2024:
The controversy between Congress MLA from Doon, Ram Kumar, and Baddi’s SP, Ilma Afroz, continues to deepen, with the political temperature rising as an investigation into the spying allegations made by the legislator intensifies. Ram Kumar had accused SP Ilma Afroz of spying on him, claiming the action violated the privileges of an elected representative. In response, the Home Department has handed the case over to the Police Headquarters for further investigation. However, the slow pace of the inquiry and the ongoing extension of the SP’s leave have only fueled the growing public and political unrest surrounding the issue.
Ram Kumar’s allegations, which he framed as a clear case of violating his legislative privileges, were taken seriously enough to prompt action from the Vidhan Sabha Secretariat, which has now demanded an official response from the Home Department before proceeding further. Meanwhile, the controversy took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that the Badhi police had fined trucks owned by Ram Kumar’s wife in connection with an illegal mining case, suggesting a possible link between these actions and the ongoing feud.
The situation has now become a major political talking point, drawing in key figures in Himachal Pradesh’s political circles. Amid the drama, former Chief Minister and Union Minister Shanta Kumar entered the scene with a strongly-worded open letter to current CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. Shanta Kumar, in his letter, has criticized the state government’s silence on the matter and demanded a clear explanation from the Chief Minister.
In his letter, Shanta Kumar reminded CM Sukhu of his oath of office and the duty to uphold the Constitution and the law, urging him to address the issue head-on. He also raised concerns about the growing influence of the mining mafia in the state, suggesting that the controversy may be a consequence of external pressures from such criminal elements seeking to manipulate the political system. Shanta Kumar’s letter underscores his belief that the silence from the government is exacerbating the situation and potentially undermining public trust in the administration.
“Why is the government silent? Is it because of the powerful mining mafia behind the scenes? Ilma Afroz’s leave extension is not just a bureaucratic issue; it’s a sign of deeper political and administrative rot that needs urgent attention,” Shanta Kumar wrote. He also expressed concern over the potential repercussions of punishing a dedicated officer like Ilma Afroz, warning that it would tarnish the state’s reputation on a national scale.
As the investigation unfolds and political leaders continue to make their voices heard, the controversy shows no signs of dying down. The public is keenly watching the developments, as the outcome of this standoff could have a lasting impact on the state’s governance and its political future. The growing tension between the Congress MLA and the police officer, along with the increasing scrutiny of the state government’s handling of the issue, will likely keep Himachal Pradesh in the political spotlight in the weeks to come.
