BJP MLA and former minister Bikram Singh Thakur
Shimla, April 10: In a scathing attack on the Himachal Pradesh government, BJP MLA and former minister Bikram Singh Thakur on Wednesday alleged massive corruption within the Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), accusing top officials and politicians of deep involvement.
During a press conference held in Shimla, Thakur claimed that large-scale irregularities have taken place in the Pekhubela and Shongtong power projects. He stated that the government was warned about these issues as early as September 2024, but no action was taken—an inaction he linked to the tragic death of Vimal Negi. “Had the government acted on time, Vimal Negi would have been alive today,” he said.
Thakur pointed out stark cost disparities in the Pekhuvela project, stating that while the project in Una cost ₹244 crore, a similar one in Gujarat was completed at just ₹144 crore. He further alleged that the cost per megawatt in Himachal stands at ₹6.84 crore, much higher than the national average of ₹4.90 crore.
He also criticized the Shongtong project, which was initially budgeted at ₹1,724 crore but has already consumed ₹2,230 crore, with the project still far from completion. “This is clear-cut corruption, and the government is shielding key officials like Harikesh Meena and Deshraj,” he said, questioning why the government is hesitant to allow a CBI investigation into the matter.
In an explosive remark, Thakur targeted Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, alleging that his behavior suggests mental instability. “Whenever we demand a CBI probe, the CM responds in a casual, dismissive manner. It raises serious concerns about his mental balance,” he said.
Thakur also dragged in Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, who served as HPPCL Chairman for two years and recently received a six-month extension. He hinted that the extension may be linked to a cover-up.
The BJP leader warned that similar corruption is rampant in other departments, and said the state government is on the path of shielding the guilty instead of ensuring transparency.
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