Conspiracy to Topple the Government, Himachal Police Uncover Financial Trail in MLA Defection Scandal: SIT Intensifies Probe

Conspiracy to Topple the Government, Himachal Police Uncover Financial Trail in MLA Defection Scandal: SIT Intensifies Probe

Defection Drama in Himachal Pradesh: Financial Scandal and Cross-Voting Shake Congress

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu faced a major political crisis when six Congress MLAs defected from the party during the Rajya Sabha elections, casting their votes in favor of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. This unexpected betrayal not only embarrassed the Congress party but also led to the victory of the BJP candidate in the Rajya Sabha elections, leaving Sukhu in a challenging situation. Despite the setback, Sukhu managed to regain control, winning back the seats and stabilizing the Congress party in the state.

However, this defection scandal has since turned into a larger investigation, with financial irregularities and conspiracy theories emerging. A police case was registered to delve into the individuals involved in this political buyout, uncovering the origins of the money and the extent of the conspiracy.

Financial Dealings Unveiled

a case was registered at Balu Banj Police Station in Shimla regarding the alleged horse-trading of legislators. Over time, financial transactions and suspicious dealings have come to light, strengthening the case. According to reports, a travel agent named Sudhir Rana, from Dehradun, revealed crucial details during his questioning by the Shimla Police and the Special Investigation Team (SIT). Rana disclosed that he was given a list of the MLAs involved and was tasked with making accommodation arrangements for them, for which he received payment in cash from a BJP leader.

The SIT has been investigating the case extensively, and on August 23, further questioning was conducted. Former MLAs Rajendra Rana, Devendra Bhutto, and KL Thakur were interrogated by the SIT regarding their involvement. The probe has also extended to Congress MLA Ashish Sharma and former MLA Chaitanya Sharma. Notably, Chaitanya Sharma’s father, Rakesh Sharma, a retired IAS officer, was also questioned in connection with the conspiracy.

Conspiracy to Topple the Government

The investigation has shed light on a wider conspiracy to topple the Himachal Pradesh Congress government during the Rajya Sabha elections. Ashish Sharma and Rakesh Sharma have been accused of orchestrating the plan to destabilize the government. The defection of the six MLAs involved cross-voting during the Rajya Sabha election and staying in luxury hotels, with substantial expenses covered for their accommodation and travel, has added fuel to the controversy.

It is alleged that the MLAs were housed in five-star hotels, and arrangements were made for their travel by helicopter from Dehradun to Delhi. The expenses for their stay in Dehradun amounted to around ₹36 to ₹40 lakhs, with ₹25 lakhs reportedly paid in cash. Further investigation revealed that former MLA KL Thakur admitted to paying ₹5 lakhs to the Pawan Hans helicopter company for transporting the MLAs.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s campaign advisor, Tarun Bhandari, has also been questioned multiple times regarding his role in the financial dealings and the conspiracy to destabilize the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh.

SIT Investigation and Future Developments

The case has gained momentum with the financial irregularities becoming clearer, and the SIT has indicated that more revelations are expected in the coming days. The investigation points towards a significant conspiracy, with political heavyweights and financial transactions at the center of the scandal.

With the involvement of multiple MLAs, former bureaucrats, and political figures, the scandal has put Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in a tough spot. However, the ongoing investigation may offer clarity on the extent of the conspiracy and who was truly behind the cross-voting and defection during the Rajya Sabha elections.

As the probe deepens, Sukhu’s administration continues to assert that the defection and horse-trading were aimed at destabilizing the Congress government. The scandal not only raises questions about political loyalty but also highlights the deep-rooted challenges of corruption and financial influence in state politics.

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