Sukhu Govt Exposed in Vimal Negi Case: Jairam Thakur Demands CBI Probe

Claims Rs 225 crore project approved without financial sanction; Accuses Congress leaders of corruption and extortion

Dalhousie, April 10, 2025: Leader of the Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur has accused the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led Congress government of massive corruption and financial mismanagement in Himachal Pradesh. Addressing a press conference in Dalhousie, Thakur linked the death of Power Corporation official Vimal Negi to alleged corrupt practices within the department, demanding a CBI inquiry into the matter.

He claimed that a project initially estimated at Rs 125 crore was inflated to over Rs 225 crore without even financial sanction, and over Rs 100 crore worth of corruption is suspected. “Fortuner and Innova vehicles were gifted to influential leaders as bribes. The government must investigate this too,” Thakur said.

He alleged that Vimal Negi’s death was a direct result of the pressure and corruption in the Power Corporation, which has faced controversies since the Sukhu government came to power. “Despite protests from the family, colleagues, and public, the state refuses to allow a CBI probe—why is the government scared of an independent investigation?” he questioned.

Thakur criticized the Chief Minister for blaming the previous BJP government and the Centre for the state’s financial woes. “In just two years, this government has borrowed half of what Himachal borrowed in 25 years. All ongoing development—be it PM Awas Yojana, road schemes, Ayushman Bharat, or education and health funding—is funded by the central government,” he said.

He further claimed that contractors are being forced to pay commission to Congress leaders to get their bills cleared, even after receiving Letters of Credit (LOCs). “Some contractors haven’t been paid for two years; banks are repossessing their equipment. Only those who ‘pay up’ are being cleared—this is the new business model in Sukhu’s ‘Vyavastha Parivartan’,” Thakur alleged.

He concluded by stating that law and order in the state has deteriorated, contract killings are being reported, and overall governance has hit a new low. Kangra MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj, Dalhousie MLA D.S. Thakur, and former MLA Vikram Jaryal were also present.