Political Backlash Over Sanjay Gupta's Appointment as Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary

Following the appointment of senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as the regular Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, sharp political reactions have emerged. Both the BJP and CPI(M) have accused the state government of shielding tainted officials and compromising administrative integrity. Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur claimed that Chief Minister Sukhu has completely capitulated to corrupt officials, likening his actions to that of a puppet controlled by bureaucrats. In a statement from Mandi, Thakur questioned the government's decision to regularize Gupta's appointment while the matter is still under judicial scrutiny in the Himachal Pradesh High Court through a public interest litigation. He pointed out that the corruption cases related to the Chester Hills benami property issue had already raised serious concerns, yet the government chose to protect the official instead of taking action.

Thakur further asserted that this move raises significant doubts about the government's intentions. It appears that influential members of the ruling party rely on such officials due to their possession of sensitive information. The BJP leader also alleged that the state government is attempting to reward officials facing corruption allegations through extensions of service and post-retirement appointments. Additionally, Thakur praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for decisions related to suspending the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. He noted that the central government has approved tunnel projects worth ₹2,620 crores, including the proposed Chenab-Beas link tunnel in Lahaul and Spiti, aimed at diverting excess water from the Chandr River into the Beas basin. He expressed gratitude to voters for the substantial support received by BJP-backed candidates during the first phase of the Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh, while also alleging irregularities by some administrative officials during the election process.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has also strongly opposed this appointment, labeling it as a step that protects corruption and undermines institutional integrity. CPI(M) state secretary Sanjay Chauhan stated that this decision has exposed the truth behind the government's claims of 'zero tolerance' towards corruption. He alleged that pending FIRs, vigilance references, and complaints of corruption against the officer have already raised questions about transparency in administration and public trust. Chauhan argued that this appointment seems aimed at paving the way for future service extensions, asserting that such extensions can only be granted after a regular appointment to the position. He referenced the Chester Hills land case and alleged irregularities in the procurement and transmission line allocation at HPPPTCL, stating that CPI(M) has repeatedly raised concerns and filed complaints with the relevant agencies.