Bikram Thakur Criticizes Himachal Government Over Corruption Allegations
BJP Leader's Strong Accusations Against Congress Government
News Media
Dharamshala:
Senior BJP figure and former Industries Minister Bikram Thakur has launched a fierce critique of the Congress-led government in Himachal Pradesh, claiming it is protecting corrupt officials and neglecting the family of a whistleblower involved in the Pekhuwela Solar Power Project scandal.
Thakur pointed to alleged misconduct in the Rs 220-crore solar initiative, demanding clarity on whether the government supports the bereaved family of Chief Engineer Vimal Negi, who died under suspicious circumstances, or those implicated in financial wrongdoing.
He expressed concern over the reinstatement of Desh Raj, a former director of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited, who is embroiled in the controversy. “Rewarding someone suspected of corruption sends a negative message. This reflects zero accountability rather than zero tolerance,” he stated.
Thakur also noted that despite the Himachal Pradesh High Court denying Desh Raj’s anticipatory bail, the state government did not effectively challenge this in the Supreme Court, indicating a lack of commitment to combat corruption.
He emphasized that the CBI only began investigating after the High Court's intervention, suggesting that such action should have been taken much sooner if the government was genuinely dedicated to transparency.
Concerns Over Project Costs and Corruption
Bikram Thakur highlighted discrepancies in project expenses, noting that a 35-MW solar facility in Gujarat was constructed for Rs 144 crore, while the 32 MW Pekhuwela plant in Himachal was reported to cost an exorbitant Rs 220 crore. He alleged that the tendering process was circumvented and the contract was awarded through nomination, with multiple alterations made to the detailed project report (DPR) to favor a particular company.
Thakur stated that Vimal Negi, who later died under dubious circumstances, had raised alarms about these irregularities. “Vimal Negi had lodged complaints against high-ranking officials, including the then Managing Director and Director,” he remarked. Negi’s body was discovered in Gobind Sagar Lake on March 18, with his family alleging that senior officials subjected him to mental harassment, contributing to his death.
Family of the Victim Questions Government's Silence
Referring to recent comments from Vimal Negi’s widow, Kiran Negi, Thakur asserted that her inquiries reflect not only a widow's quest for justice but also a broader demand for integrity in public service from the entire state.
He also referenced previous judicial critiques regarding the case's management by senior police officials, yet noted that these same officers have been reassigned, further diminishing public trust in the government's intentions.