BJP MLA Anil Sharma Denies Bribery Allegations Amid NHAI Controversy
Anil Sharma Responds to Bribery Claims
Munish Sood
MANDI: In a decisive response to accusations made during a live social media session, senior BJP leader and Mandi MLA Anil Sharma has released a video statement refuting claims that he accepted a bribe of ₹1 crore related to the ongoing construction of the Jalandhar-Mandi National Highway.
Sharma labeled the allegations as “fabricated, malicious, and lacking any factual basis,” announcing plans to file a ₹20 crore defamation lawsuit and initiate a police complaint against the journalist involved.
Bribery Allegations During NHAI Inspection
The controversy began when a journalist conducted a live Facebook broadcast during an inspection by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) team, which was in Mandi to address public concerns regarding the quality of highway construction. During this session, the journalist accused Sharma of accepting ₹1 crore in bribes from companies involved in the project.
In his video reply, Sharma stated, “The live broadcast was merely a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation. The journalist was seen inciting locals to make on-camera statements implying corruption, despite the absence of any evidence to back such claims.”
He emphasized that these baseless and sensational accusations, made without any factual support, amounted to character assassination and would be met with strict legal measures.
Sharma, a seasoned political figure with multiple terms as MLA and a former Member of Parliament, asserted that throughout his lengthy political career, he has never faced any corruption allegations.
“For over 30 years, I have upheld a clean record. No one has ever accused me,” Sharma declared. “To make such a serious allegation without any proof is not only unethical but also criminal,” he added.
Social Activist's Name Involved in the Controversy
Sharma also expressed concerns regarding the involvement of social activist and former Pro Vice-Chancellor of Sardar Patel University, Anupama Singh, in the narrative. The controversial report suggested that the NHAI team's visit to Mandi was a direct result of Singh's alleged formal meeting with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi.
Sharma mentioned that he spoke with Anupama Singh, who clarified that while she did meet Gadkari informally at a public event, there was no official meeting or written representation made. “Misrepresenting this casual interaction as an official complaint is highly misleading,” Sharma stated.
He further pointed out that Singh had circulated photographs in newspapers claiming she had formally discussed the Mandi-Dharampur road project with the Minister, which he deemed “false.”
No Meeting Scheduled with Gadkari or Nadda Yet: Sharma
Sharma highlighted his own attempts to escalate the matter, revealing that he had written to Gadkari on November 12, 2024, requesting a formal meeting to discuss the road project, but had not yet received a response. He also reached out to BJP national president JP Nadda but was similarly unable to arrange a meeting.
“It is unfortunate that despite my repeated efforts, I couldn’t communicate the ground realities of this road project to our senior leadership,” he remarked. Sharma also mentioned a conversation with actress and BJP leader Kangana Ranaut during her visit to Mandi, who offered to raise the issue with central authorities.