Dharamshala: BJP’s state spokesperson Sanjay Sharma has fiercely criticized the Himachal Pradesh government following the registration of an FIR against a journalist for publishing an analysis report. In his statement, Sharma drew parallels between the current political situation in Himachal Pradesh and the infamous Emergency imposed by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of being misled into adopting undemocratic measures.
“Patience is essential in politics,” Sharma remarked. “It seems the Chief Minister is being misguided, and the acts reminiscent of India’s Emergency are being repeated.” He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had recently raised concerns about similar issues during their speeches in Jammu and Haryana, referencing the financial guarantees promised by Congress in Himachal Pradesh.
Criticism of Financial Mismanagement and National Embarrassment*
Sharma pointed out that the ruling Congress government in Himachal has been grappling with financial difficulties, repeatedly mentioned by the Chief Minister himself. “The state has no money to meet the demands of its employees and unemployed youth,” Sharma stated, citing the imposition of various taxes under the current regime, including the controversial “toilet tax,” which gained national attention.
Sharma questioned the legitimacy of the FIR, which he believes was registered simply because a journalist highlighted these financial issues in their report. “The Prime Minister and Home Minister have spoken on the same issues—will you file FIRs against them as well?” he asked, calling the move undemocratic and harmful to the image of Himachal Pradesh.
Call for Accountability and Section 182 Action
Sharma also urged Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, a seasoned and respected journalist, to intervene in the matter. “As a journalist himself, he should have stepped in to prevent such misuse of power,” Sharma said, further alleging that officials involved in filing the FIR had overstepped their authority.
In a strong statement, Sharma called for the officials responsible for the FIR to be held accountable under Section 182 of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which deals with misuse of authority. “The officials who registered this FIR should face consequences for their actions,” he added.
Sharma’s remarks have intensified the debate over press freedom in the state, with the BJP demanding immediate action to protect the rights of journalists and uphold the principles of democracy.
