Munish Sood
Mandi
The political landscape in Himachal Pradesh is witnessing the emergence of a new narrative, with National Devbhoomi Party (NDP) President Rumit Singh Thakur positioning his party as a credible third alternative while launching a sharp attack on both the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP over alleged corruption and governance failures.
Speaking on the issue, Rumit Singh Thakur said the 2022 police recruitment paper leak case had “destroyed the dreams of thousands of young aspirants across Himachal Pradesh.” He alleged that the government at the time “limited its action to lower-level staff in an attempt to suppress the matter, while senior officers responsible for printing, securing, and transporting the examination papers have not been held accountable to this day.”
Allegations Against Senior Officials
Raising serious concerns, Thakur claimed that “discussions around disproportionate and benami assets linked to several IAS and IPS officers have reached beyond Himachal, with properties reportedly being talked about in Delhi, Noida, Panchkula, and Punjab.”
He further referred to the Chester Hills land controversy in Solan, alleging that “this case reflects a deeper nexus between political leaders and administrative officers and attempts were made to bury the issue to protect those involved.”
Questions Over Political Accountability
Targeting both major parties, Thakur said, “The Congress had promised strict action against corrupt officials before coming to power, but no concrete steps have been taken. At the same time, the BJP also failed to bring the truth before the public during its tenure. Both parties have collectively failed the people of Himachal.”
He added that “the youth of the state continue to wait for justice, and their trust in the system is rapidly declining.”
NDP’s Anti-Corruption Campaign
Announcing a statewide campaign, Thakur said, “The National Devbhoomi Party is launching a mass movement against corruption. Our commitment is clear—there will be an impartial probe into the recruitment scam, a thorough investigation into benami properties, and strict legal action against all guilty individuals, whether they are politicians or officials.”
Call for a Third Alternative Ahead of 2027
Making a direct appeal to voters, Thakur stated, “The people of Himachal now understand that both BJP and Congress have failed to curb corruption. The time has come to choose a third alternative.”
Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, he said, “The National Devbhoomi Party is preparing to form a majority government in 2027. Once in power, our government will ensure that all those responsible for corruption are brought to justice and face strict legal consequences.”
Political observers believe that while anti-corruption remains a powerful electoral issue in Himachal Pradesh, the real test for NDP will lie in converting these allegations into a structured campaign backed by evidence and public support.
