In a scathing attack over the two-year tenure of the Congress-led Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu government in Himachal Pradesh, the opposition BJP has highlighted a series of alleged scams, irregularities and administrative failures in its “chargesheet”.
At the forefront of the allegations is Congress leader Satpal Singh Raizada, former MLA from Una, who has been accused of benefiting disproportionately under the controversial one-time settlement (OTS) policy of the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank.
According to the BJP sources, Raizada allegedly had Rs 3.15 crore of a Rs 5.97 crore loan waived, a move the party claims exemplifies the misuse of government schemes to benefit influential individuals.
The BJP has further alleged a string of banking scams that underscore systemic corruption. Accusations range from a Rs 4 crore fraud in the Nohradhar branch of the Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank to an Rs 18 crore scam in Subathu Urban Cooperative Society. These cases, the BJP claims, have been shielded by senior government leaders, highlighting favouritism and lack of accountability. The Congress government is yet to issue a rebuttal on the issue.
Says Himachal’s assets ‘up for sale’
The opposition has also accused the government of jeopardising state assets for personal gains. The high court order to close down 18 prime Himachal Pradesh Tourism Corporation hotels due to losses has drawn criticism.
The BJP alleges that this was a calculated move to facilitate their eventual sale to favoured individuals. A separate controversy surrounds Himachal Bhawan in Delhi, with the government accused of failing to pay Rs 64 crore to Seli Hydro Electric Power Co. Ltd., risking its attachment and confiscation.
Public Works Department under fire
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been labelled as a “den of corruption”, with tenders allegedly manipulated to favour individuals linked to the ruling government. Instances such as the cancellation of tenders 10 times in the Bharwain division and widespread mismanagement during disaster relief operations, where payments were made for unexecuted work, were highlighted.
Accusations protecting corrupt officials
The BJP has also accused the government of shielding tainted officials. The appointment of IAS officer Ram Subhag Singh as chief adviser, despite earlier corruption allegations, and the controversial postings of officers like Firoz Khan, Kamlesh Nayak and Vikram Mahajan have also been mentioned in the chargesheet.
The BJP has also accused the government of failing to tackle growing mafia activities, including illegal mining, drug trade and forest encroachments. The BJP alleges the administration has fostered a “mafia raj,” prioritising vested interests over public welfare.
Global embarrassment
The BJP has also slammed the Sukhu government for decisions that have reportedly turned Himachal Pradesh into a national and international laughingstock. From economic mismanagement to bizarre policy announcements, the government’s actions have, according to the opposition, undermined the state’s reputation.
