Dharamshala (Tapovan), Dec 19. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced plans to introduce a comprehensive Transparency Act aimed at eradicating corruption, promoting honesty, and ensuring transparency in public administration.
During a two-day debate on an adjournment motion in the state assembly, CM Sukhu emphasized the need for stricter laws to enhance accountability. He stated that while ministers and members currently submit affidavits about their properties, additional measures would ensure greater transparency.
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The Chief Minister highlighted questionable decisions by the previous government, including the sale of 300 bighas of land in Yamunanagar for just ₹4.5 crore, despite its market value being over ₹100 crore. This deal has since been annulled by the current cabinet.
Rejecting allegations of ties with the mining mafia, Sukhu pointed out that individuals accused of supporting him had also campaigned for prominent BJP leaders in past elections. He further announced that areas undergoing channelization would no longer be leased for mining, despite an estimated revenue loss of ₹1,500 crore.
Sukhu also criticized the allocation of land in Nalagarh during the BJP’s tenure at an undervalued rate of ₹1 per square meter. He called for concrete evidence from opposition members to substantiate corruption allegations against his government, urging them to present such proof before a court or the Lokayukta.
Addressing Allegations and Questionable Deals
The Chief Minister also brought fore about accusations regarding a ₹25-crore scam involving BJP MLA Dr. Janak Raj, pointing out that police investigations found no evidence to support the claims. Sukhu revealed that an FIR had been lodged against the MLA in October 2022, but he refrained from pursuing the matter further after receiving an apology.
Regarding the Shongtong Hydroelectric Project, Sukhu accused the BJP government of extending project deadlines and granting additional permissions to Patel Engineering at inflated costs. He stated that the project’s expenses escalated from ₹163 crore to nearly ₹1,000 crore due to such mismanagement.
Liquor Auction Revenue and Tourism Initiatives
Responding to corruption allegations in liquor auctions, Sukhu noted that his government generated ₹600 crore in revenue in a single year, equaling the BJP’s revenue over four years. He also highlighted tourism development initiatives, including the introduction of cruises on the Govind Sagar reservoir, which earned ₹30 lakh in revenue.
Solar Project and Cooperative Bank Controversy
Defending the allocation of a 35 MW solar project in Una, Sukhu explained that the project’s current cost of ₹215 crore was justified given inflation and its benefits to the state. He also criticized the BJP for closing a vigilance inquiry into allegations of document tampering involving a cooperative bank chairman shortly after the individual joined their party.
Allegations of Favoritism
The Chief Minister alleged that during the BJP’s tenure, land worth ₹50,000 per kanal was transferred to the Housing Board for just ₹20 lakh and industrial plots were leased at negligible rates. He condemned such decisions as detrimental to the state’s interests.
BJP Walkout
The assembly session ended with BJP members staging a walkout after CM Sukhu accused the opposition of favoring contractors and engaging in questionable practices during their rule. The Chief Minister adjourned the session at 7:15 pm.
