Dharamshala (S Gopal Puri)
BJP MLA Satpal Satti on Wednesday raised serious allegations in the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, claiming a connection between a corrupt official and a former Congress MLA. Satti openly challenged Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, stating his willingness to take an oath in any temple to substantiate his claims.
Satti alleged that Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri’s recent remarks about mining and forest mafias highlight the lack of government action. “Why is a leader of Agnihotri’s stature compelled to speak openly against mafias? Is it because officials are ignoring him, and someone powerful is shielding these mafias?” he questioned.
The BJP legislator further alleged that the same influential individual is responsible for appointing a health department official with a dubious reputation to Dharamshala. He referred to the official as one with “doubtful integrity” (ODI) and accused them of demanding bribes. According to Satti, a local chemist had informed him about the official allegedly demanding ₹50,000 as a bribe for the renewal of licenses.
While refraining from naming anyone directly, Satti hinted that the ex-Congress MLA in question had served as the “Prabhari” (in-charge) during the recent assembly elections in Dehra constituency.
Satti’s allegations have intensified the ongoing debate on corruption in the state, with the opposition demanding accountability from the ruling Congress government. However, the government has yet to issue an official response to these claims.
The matter is likely to gain further traction in the assembly, with calls for an impartial investigation into the allegations of corruption and alleged connections between officials and political leaders.
