CPI(M) Opposes Move to Grant Extension and Regular Appointment to Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta
2 min read
Shimla, May 24: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) Himachal Pradesh has raised serious objections to the state government’s reported move to grant service extension and regular appointment to IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as Chief Secretary.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan questioned the government’s functioning, alleging contradiction between its “zero tolerance against corruption” claims and the proposed continuation of an officer facing multiple corruption-related allegations and legal proceedings.
The party referred to the ongoing matter before the Himachal Pradesh High Court in CWP-PIL No. 44/2026, Tilak Raj versus State Government, in which the court on May 19 reportedly issued notices to the state government, Government of India and Sanjay Gupta while taking cognisance of issues related to “institutional integrity.”
According to CPI(M), the petition mentions three pending FIRs and two criminal references against the officer, raising concerns over transparency and administrative credibility if he is appointed to the state’s top bureaucratic post on a regular basis.
Sanjay Chauhan stated that the Chief Secretary’s position is the highest administrative office in the state and should only be held by an officer with an unquestionable record, impartiality and high ethical standards.
The CPI(M) leader further alleged that the party has consistently raised concerns regarding the officer’s functioning and administrative decisions and has demanded legal action in various alleged irregularity cases. He also referred to alleged controversies linked to land deals and procurement-related matters in the power sector.
The party claimed that despite serious allegations and judicial scrutiny, granting regular appointment or extension to the officer would adversely affect public trust and principles of good governance.
CPI(M) has demanded that the government immediately withdraw any proposal related to the extension or regular appointment of Sanjay Gupta as Chief Secretary and initiate appropriate legal action after considering the observations made by the High Court regarding administrative integrity and institutional ethics.
