Jairam Thakur Accuses Sukhu Government of Corruption in Finna Singh Irrigation Project

Shimla, May 6, 2025 – Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur has levelled serious allegations against the Sukhu-led Himachal Pradesh government, accusing it of manipulating tender processes in centrally-funded projects to benefit favoured individuals.

Thakur specifically pointed to the *Finna Singh Irrigation Project*, a ₹293 crore scheme funded under the Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY). He claimed that the Jal Shakti Department has arbitrarily barred joint ventures from participating in the tenders, raising suspicions of favoritism. Thakur questioned how the state government could ignore national norms, as departments like the NHAI, BRO, and HP PWD allow joint ventures in projects over ₹100 crore.

He further alleged that this is not an isolated incident. He cited previous cases involving changes in tender conditions in school bottle procurement and World Bank-funded Shimla drinking water projects. He also referenced the solar project in Pakhuwala, linking it to the mysterious death of Power Corporation GM Vimal Negi, and criticized the government for avoiding a CBI probe despite the family’s legal appeal.

Thakur warned that such irregularities threaten vital developmental goals, including the timely completion of the Finna Singh project, which is set to benefit over 60 villages and irrigate more than 4,000 hectares of land. He urged the Chief Minister to prioritise transparency and quality over corruption.