Ex-MLA alleges massive Poll Code violation in Dehra Bye-election, seeks CM’s wife’s disqualification

Himachalscape bureau April 12, 2025 3 minutes read

Shimla, Apr 12,

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In a turn of events following the 2024 Dehra Assembly bye-election in Himachal Pradesh, former MLA Hoshyar Singh has made serious allegations against Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and his wife Kamlesh Thakur, who won the closely watched contest. Singh, who had earlier vacated the Dehra seat, submitted a detailed petition to Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on March 25, 2025, demanding a CBI investigation and the annulment of the election result. He has alleged large-scale electoral malpractice and blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct during the campaign period.

According to Singh, the Chief Minister allegedly misused state machinery to ensure his spouse’s victory by releasing government funds and using institutional resources to influence voters. He cited the disbursement of approximately Rs 33.50 lakh to 67 Mahila Mandals in the Dehra constituency, with each group receiving Rs 50,000. These transfers reportedly occurred between June 20 and July 9, 2024—within the period the Model Code of Conduct was in force—raising questions about their timing and intent. The funds were routed through the Kangra Central Cooperative Bank, allegedly on the oral directions of the Chief Minister.

Singh claimed that the financial aid was exclusively targeted at Mahila Mandals in Dehra and not extended to any other assembly constituency, suggesting the distribution was designed to function as an inducement to voters. Further, he alleged that over 1,000 women who were not members of any welfare scheme were paid Rs 4,500 each via the District Welfare Office, without any official enrollment or eligibility. He asserted that these transfers amount to bribery under Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Section 171B of the Indian Penal Code. He also invoked the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, stating that public resources were misused for electoral gain.

To support his claims, Singh filed multiple Right to Information (RTI) applications on January 5 and March 7 this year, seeking details of financial transactions, beneficiary lists, and authorization documents. However, he has alleged that the concerned departments failed to respond, in violation of the RTI Act, 2005, which he sees as an attempt to conceal evidence.

The issue was also raised in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha during the recent Budget Session, where MLA Ashish Sharma questioned the legitimacy of the grants and presented an RTI response from the Kangra Bank in the House. Adding to the controversy, Singh pointed out discrepancies in Kamlesh Thakur’s election affidavit, which, he claimed, made no mention of the Rs 50,000 grants, potentially violating Election Commission transparency requirements.

On these grounds, Singh has demanded that Kamlesh Thakur be disqualified from holding public office for six years and that the Election Commission declare the Dehra bye-election result null and void. Emphasizing that the deliberate misuse of public funds has tainted the democratic process, Singh called on the Governor to take immediate action and ensure accountability. As the matter gains public and political momentum, attention is now focused on the Election Commission and relevant investigative agencies to assess whether the allegations warrant deeper scrutiny and legal proceedings.

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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.

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