Money and Booze Power Looms as Pre-Election Seizures Hit An Alltime High in 2024

: Category: Latest; Published: 08 May 2024

Kuldeep chauhan, Editor-in-chief HimbuMail

2024 Himachal Pradesh Pre-Election Seizures Hit Record High: Cash and Booze Reign Supreme!

SHIMLA; As the countdown to the Lok Sabha elections ticks away in Himachal Pradesh, the grip of money and intoxicants over politics tightens its hold. With a staggering haul totaling Rs. 13.38 crore already seized, even before the official notification, the race to the ballot box is marred by a shadow of corruption and vice.

In a stark comparison to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, where seizures amounted to Rs. 11.31 crore, this year's figures paint a grim picture of escalating malpractice. Chief Electoral Officer, Maneesh Garg, revealed that the chase for illicit gains saw Shimla leading the pack with a jaw-dropping seizure of Rs. 4.19 crore, closely followed by Hamirpur at Rs. 3.98 crore. Kangra wasn't far behind, clocking in at Rs. 3.36 crore, while Mandi trailed with a 'meager' Rs. 1.83 crore.

Breaking down the loot, police crackdowns netted a hefty Rs. 4.65 crore, while the State Taxes and Excise department raked in a whopping Rs. 8.35 crore. And let's not forget the Mining department's eye-watering fines totaling Rs. 25 lakh for illegal excavations.

Zooming into the districts, the numbers read like a rap sheet of illicit gains: Bilaspur - Rs. 51.55 lakh; Chamba - Rs. 66.80 lakh; Hamirpur - Rs. 29.04 lakh; Kangra - Rs. 2.74 crore; Kinnaur - Rs. 7.99 lakh; Kullu - Rs. 1.04 crore; Lahaul Spiti - Rs. 32 lakh; Mandi - Rs. 58.22 lakh; Shimla - Rs. 1.15 crore; Sirmaur - Rs. 1.20 crore; Solan - Rs. 1.95 crore; and Una - Rs. 3.14 crore.

With the Election Commission of India's iron-fisted directives driving the crackdown, the battle against electoral corruption wages on.

But with 24 days left until the polls, the stakes couldn't be higher as the specter of dirty money and intoxicating influence continues to influence soft voters.

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

In a major relief to the Himachal Pradesh government, the Supreme Court has stayed the High Court’s directive to initiate disqualification proceedings against six MLAs who were appointed as Chief Parliamentary Secretaries (CPSs).

This decision, welcomed by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has brought a temporary reprieve to his administration, which was grappling with the political and legal ramifications of the High Court’s order.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court had earlier quashed the appointments of the six CPSs, deeming them unconstitutional, and directed the Assembly Speaker to initiate disqualification proceedings under the anti-defection law.

However, the Supreme Court’s stay has effectively paused the implementation of this directive, offering the government some breathing space to strategize its next legal move.

CM Sukhu Hails Supreme Court’s Clarity

Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, CM Sukhu expressed his satisfaction with the Supreme Court’s interpretation, which he said provided much-needed clarity on the matter.

"The relief granted by the Supreme Court is significant, and we will deliberate on the next steps after considering all legal aspects,” he said.

The Chief Minister also emphasized that the apex court’s interpretation differed from paragraph 50 of the High Court’s verdict, which had been the basis of the controversial directive.

Opposition’s “Childish” Behavior Criticized

Shifting his focus to the opposition, Sukhu took a sharp jab at their tactics, describing their behavior as “childish” and lacking focus on real issues.

“There are no controversies here, but their behavior is simply immature. From toilet tax to ‘Samosa Politics,’ they are just distracting from the real issues,” he said.

Sukhu accused the opposition BJP of attempting to create diversions because of its failure to make a dent in the Congress’s strength during the Vidhan Sabha elections.

“Their ‘Operation Lotus’ was decisively rejected by the people, and Congress retained its 40-seat strength. Now, they resort to personal attacks to divert attention from our welfare schemes,” he added.

Relief Amid Mounting Challenges

The Supreme Court’s stay on the High Court’s order has momentarily eased the pressure on the Sukhu government, but the sword of uncertainty continues to hang over the six MLAs who served as CPSs.

With questions around their appointments still unresolved, the case remains a legal minefield.

The CPS appointments had drawn criticism for allegedly violating constitutional provisions, which prohibit the creation of such posts without legislative backing.

The High Court’s scathing remarks and the directive for disqualification had added fuel to the controversy, creating a storm in the state’s political landscape.

While the Supreme Court’s intervention provides temporary relief, the Sukhu government must now prepare for a protracted legal battle to defend the appointments and protect its legislative majority.

Opposition’s Counterattacks

The BJP, meanwhile, has been quick to pounce on the issue, accusing the government of flouting constitutional norms for political convenience. Party leaders have argued that the CPS appointments were a backdoor way to reward loyalists, a claim that Sukhu has staunchly denied.

The opposition’s attacks, combined with the ongoing legal scrutiny, highlight the precarious nature of the government’s position. For now, the Supreme Court’s decision is a welcome pause, but the final word on the matter could still have far-reaching consequences for the political stability of Himachal Pradesh.

Sukhu’s Call for Responsibility

Amid the controversy, Sukhu reiterated his commitment to governance and welfare. He called on the opposition to act responsibly and raise issues that matter to the common man.

“Significant progress has been made in improving the socio-economic status of the underprivileged during this tenure, and that remains our priority,” he stated.

With the legal wrangling far from over, the fate of the six CPSs—and the stability of the Sukhu government—remains inextricably tied to the unfolding courtroom drama.

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Money and Booze Power Looms as Pre-Election Seizures Hit An Alltime High in 2024

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Sword of Uncertainty Over Six CPSs’ Fate Temporarily Lifted: Relief for Sukhu Government

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