Opposition Brings Work Stoppage Motion in Himachal Assembly to Discuss Death of HPPCL Officer Vimal Negi
Opposition walks out of the House
Shimla, March 20, 2025 – The Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly session on Thursday saw a heated exchange of words over the suspicious death of Vimal Negi, the Chief Engineer at Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL). The opposition parties, demanding a deeper investigation into the case, brought forward a work stoppage motion, which they hoped would halt the proceedings in the House and bring the issue to the forefront. However, the Speaker of the House did not approve the motion, leading to a walkout by the opposition members in protest.
The opposition, led by Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur, expressed their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the matter. Thakur raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of Vimal Negi and the government’s reluctance to conduct a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the case. The opposition leaders argued that the issue warranted a thorough, impartial investigation, given the serious nature of the allegations.
“The death of Vimal Negi is surrounded by numerous unanswered questions, and yet, the government refuses to acknowledge the gravity of the situation. We brought a work stoppage motion in the House to discuss these questions, but the Chief Minister chose not to respond,” Thakur said during the proceedings. “The government’s reluctance to order a CBI inquiry into this matter raises doubts, and we are left wondering why they are unwilling to allow an independent body to investigate.”
The opposition has been vocal about their concerns regarding the handling of the case. One of the key points raised was the FIR filed in connection with Negi’s death. While the FIR mentions the name of only one officer, the opposition has claimed that the post of another officer involved in the incident is mentioned in the report instead of their name, which, according to them, is an attempt to shield that individual from accountability.
The tragic death of Vimal Negi has already sparked public outcry, with his family members and supporters demanding justice. The family has alleged foul play, citing the unusual circumstances surrounding Negi’s passing. The opposition’s move to bring the matter to the House was fueled by these concerns, calling for transparency and a fair investigation into the death.
Adding to the tension, four government ministers visited the site of the family’s protest earlier in the week. While they assured the family of justice and promised a thorough investigation, the opposition believes that political pressure has led to a situation where the family was coerced into ending their protest prematurely. Jairam Thakur questioned why the government intervened at the protest site and whether this intervention was intended to undermine the family’s demand for a full-scale investigation.
“The government’s response to the protest was merely a way to quell the growing anger among the people. Instead of taking the matter seriously, they attempted to force the family into silence,” Thakur remarked. “This is a matter of grave concern, and the government’s actions have raised more questions than answers.”
Further, the opposition has questioned the appointment of Deshraj, the Director of HPPCL, in light of the ongoing investigation. They raised the issue of why Deshraj was appointed to the position when other individuals were reportedly overlooked for the role. The opposition claims that the appointment process was shrouded in secrecy and that there is a need for greater transparency in the functioning of HPPCL, which has been embroiled in controversy for some time.
“Why was an honest officer like Vimal Negi harassed in the first place? Why was Deshraj made the Director while other qualified candidates were ignored?” questioned Thakur. “These are issues the government must address. The functioning of HPPCL has long been a subject of controversy, and now, with this incident, the situation demands an impartial CBI investigation.”
In the wake of the opposition’s walkout, the Chief Minister and government representatives have not yet provided any definitive answers to the pressing questions raised in the House. The debate continues to grow as both the family of Vimal Negi and the opposition demand clarity on why the government has refused to call for a CBI inquiry into the case.
The matter is expected to remain a focal point of discussion in the coming days, with both the public and the opposition pushing for a transparent and fair investigation. The outcome of this case, particularly whether a CBI inquiry will be ordered, could have significant political ramifications in the state, as well as implications for the functioning and governance of HPPCL.
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