Anurag Sharma Rajya Sabha Complaint: Allegations Over Property Disclosure Surface After Unopposed Election
Shimla, March 9,
Congress leader Anurag Sharma, who was recently elected unopposed to the Rajya Sabha from Himachal Pradesh, is now facing a formal complaint alleging concealment of property details and possible violations of election rules during the nomination process.
The complaint has been submitted by Dharamshala-based advocate Nitasha Katoch before the Election Commission of India, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Returning Officer of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly. It seeks an inquiry into the nomination affidavit filed by Sharma while contesting the Rajya Sabha election.
Sharma, a resident of Bir, was declared elected unopposed on March 7 after the nomination process concluded. The election certificate was issued by Vidhan Sabha Secretary and Returning Officer Yash Pal Sharma in Shimla. The seat had originally been scheduled for polling on March 16, but the election became uncontested as the Bharatiya Janata Party chose not to field a candidate.
The ruling Indian National Congress currently holds a comfortable majority in the 68-member Himachal Pradesh Assembly with 40 MLAs, while the BJP has 28 legislators.
Allegations in the Complaint
The complaint alleges that Sharma’s nomination affidavit did not disclose complete details of his assets as required under Representation of the People Act, 1951.
According to the representation, certain land properties allegedly owned by Sharma were not reflected in the affidavit filed during the nomination process. These properties are stated to be located in Baijnath and Multhan, as well as in the Jogindernagar area.
The complainant has also alleged that details related to a licensed firearm were not properly disclosed in the documents submitted during the nomination process. Any concealment of such material information could attract provisions under the Representation of the People Act governing election affidavits.
Another aspect of the complaint refers to Section 9A of the Representation of the People Act, which deals with disqualification arising from subsisting government contracts. The representation alleges that Sharma had ongoing Public Works Department (PWD) contracts worth around ₹16 crore in Kangra district at the time of filing his nomination, with some works reportedly still under execution.
The complaint also raises questions about the alleged issuance of a certificate by the Assembly Secretary in undue haste during the scrutiny of nomination papers, arguing that clarity regarding any government contracts should have been established before issuing the certificate.
The complainant has further stated that if the allegations are found to be correct, the matter may also attract provisions under Section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, which provides punishment for furnishing false information or concealing material facts in election affidavits.
Authorities have been urged to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter to ensure transparency in the electoral process. There has been no immediate response from Sharma regarding the allegations.
Congress Regains Rajya Sabha Representation
Sharma’s election marks the return of Congress representation from Himachal Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha after a gap. The party had lost its earlier seat following the end of the term of former MP Viplove Thakur.
The uncontested election also comes against the backdrop of the dramatic Rajya Sabha poll in February 2024, when the BJP secured an unexpected victory despite being in the minority in the Assembly. BJP candidate Harsh Mahajan had won after cross-voting by six Congress MLAs and three Independent legislators supporting the government, leading to a tie that was eventually decided in the BJP’s favour.
The episode had proved to be a major embarrassment for the state government, especially after senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi had been nominated for the seat from outside the state.
Political observers say the Congress leadership this time opted for a local organisational leader to avoid internal dissent and prevent a repeat of the 2024 setback. Sharma currently serves as the president of the Kangra District Congress Committee and began his political journey with the National Students’ Union of India.
Several senior Congress figures, including former Union Minister Anand Sharma, Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil, and former state party president Pratibha Singh, were also reportedly considered before the party finalised Sharma’s candidature.
Currently, all four Lok Sabha MPs from Himachal Pradesh — Suresh Kashyap, Anurag Thakur, Rajiv Bhardwaj, and Kangana Ranaut — belong to the BJP.
In the Rajya Sabha, the BJP currently has two members from the state — Harsh Mahajan and Sikander Kumar.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.