Probe Chester Hill Scam Under High Court Judge, Questions CM’s Silence: Randhir Sharma
BJP Alleges Corruption, Slams Entry Tax and Panchayat Poll ‘Manipulation’
Shimla: Himachal Pradesh BJP Media In-charge, spokesperson and MLA Randhir Sharma on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Congress government, accusing it of being “neck-deep in corruption” while maintaining a facade of honesty. Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Sharma raised serious concerns over the Chester Hill land controversy in Solan and questioned the silence of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the issue.
Sharma said the Chester Hill case has dented the credibility of the state’s administrative system. He termed it “unprecedented” that an Acting Chief Secretary had to address the media to defend himself against allegations. “When officers themselves come forward to justify charges and the government remains silent, it raises suspicion that something is seriously wrong,” he said.
He further alleged that naming of several former and serving senior officials by the Chief Secretary has triggered widespread concern among the public, with questions being raised about whether corruption is being protected at higher levels. Sharma accused the government of shielding tainted अधिकारियों and even granting them extensions and key postings.
Targeting the Chief Minister’s Office, Sharma claimed it has turned into a hub of “commission culture,” alleging that payments to contractors are influenced by commissions. “Those with ‘settings’ get paid, while others are left waiting,” he remarked.
On the issue of entry tax, Sharma accused the government of misleading the Assembly. He said the Chief Minister made one statement in the House but issued a contradictory notification the same day. Imposition of ₹100 entry tax on 5-seater vehicles, he said, has directly burdened the common man. He also pointed to confusion at border check-posts on April 1, where different rates were charged, leading to chaos and public anger. He warned that the move would hurt traders, transporters and tourism, while fuelling inflation.
Sharma also accused the government of attempting to manipulate Panchayati Raj elections by issuing a backdated notification allowing up to 5% changes in reservation rosters. Calling it a violation of constitutional provisions, he alleged that the move is aimed at delaying elections due to fear of defeat.
Criticising the state budget, Sharma termed it directionless, highlighting rising debt, increasing fiscal deficit and declining development expenditure.
He demanded a probe into all allegations, including the Chester Hill case, under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge to ensure transparency. The BJP also announced statewide protests from April 8 to 11 across all 68 Assembly constituencies.