CPI(M) Opposes Appointment of Sanjay Gupta as Regular Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh
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Shimla, May 26: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Himachal Pradesh has strongly opposed the state government’s decision to appoint IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as the regular Chief Secretary, terming the move as an attack on institutional integrity and administrative ethics.
In a press statement issued on Monday, CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan alleged that the appointment exposes the reality behind the government’s claims of “zero tolerance against corruption.” He stated that appointing an officer facing corruption allegations, pending FIRs, criminal references and vigilance-related complaints to the state’s top administrative post raises serious questions over transparency and governance.
The party referred to ongoing proceedings before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, where notices were reportedly issued in connection with concerns related to “institutional integrity.”
Sanjay Chauhan alleged that the government’s decision was aimed at facilitating service extension for the officer, which, according to him, is only possible through a regular appointment and not by holding additional charge.
The CPI(M) leader further claimed that the party has repeatedly raised issues regarding the officer’s functioning and alleged irregularities linked to land matters and procurement-related projects in the power sector. He also referred to past incidents involving vigilance investigations and cash recovery allegations.
Questioning the silence of the BJP on the issue, CPI(M) stated that the lack of strong opposition on matters of corruption and administrative irregularities sends a wrong message to the public.
The party said it would intensify legal, political and public campaigns against corruption and administrative misuse and demanded immediate cancellation of the government order appointing Sanjay Gupta as regular Chief Secretary. CPI(M) also sought a fair and time-bound investigation into all pending cases linked to the officer.
