Shimla: Himachal Pradesh’s political temperature has shot up sharply over the alleged multi-crore Chester Hills land scam, with Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur demanding a time-bound, independent probe into what he called a “deep-rooted nexus between power and bureaucracy.”
At the heart of the controversy are serious allegations against top bureaucrats, including Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, former Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena and retired CS Ram Subhag Singh, who is enjoying three years extension under the present regime as advisor.
The opposition claims that prime land worth hundreds of crores was transferred in the names of three ordinary individuals, raising red flags of a possible benami racket and large-scale financial irregularities that needs to be brought under the ED net for fair action as the top Babus have thrown law to the winds.
“Fishy Deal, CM Must Come Clean”
Thakur did not mince words. He alleged that “something is seriously fishy” in the Chester Hills deal and accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of shielding tainted officials. He pointed out that the officials facing allegations have been granted extensions and key postings under the current regime.
One officer, earlier targeted by Sukhu himself when in opposition inside the Vidhan Sabha, has now been given repeated extensions post-retirement. “This is nothing but double speak on corruption,” Thakur said, questioning the government’s intent, he charged.
Bureaucratic Blame Game Turns Ugly
In a twist, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta has reportedly shifted the blame onto his predecessors, claiming that crucial files were never put up and necessary permissions were not formally processed during earlier tenures.
But this defence has only deepened the crisis, with fresh allegations surfacing that:
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A report by the SDM, backed by the Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Solan, was allegedly ignored or “trashed.”
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Questions are now being raised over Gupta’s own property dealings, including a land purchase in Mohali, after a senior advocate and CPM flagged documents publicly.
CPM Joins the Attack
The controversy snowballed after CPM leaders, including former MLA Rakesh Singha, Sanjay Chauhan and Dr Kuldeep Tanwar, released documents, photographs and transaction details at a press conference in Shimla.
They alleged:
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A well-oiled land cartel operating within the system.
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Systematic manipulation of records and approvals.
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Bureaucrats “running the show” while the political executive looks the other way.
CM’s Silence Raises Eyebrows
Despite the mounting pressure, the Chief Minister has not ordered a formal inquiry so far, something the opposition says is telling.
Thakur argued that:
“When such serious (allegations) surface—backed by documents—the Chief Minister must inform the House and order a probe. Silence only fuels suspicion.”
He went a step further, suggesting that the CM appears “compromised,” hinting that bureaucrats may be holding leverage that is preventing action.
Governance Under Cloud
The escalating war of words has exposed what many are calling a fractured administrative setup, where Officials are accusing each other openly,. The government is struggling to respond decisively. And public trust is taking a hit.
Political observers say the Chester Hills case could become a defining corruption flashpoint for the Sukhu government if not addressed swiftly.
With allegations of benami land deals, bureaucratic complicity, and political protection, the Chester Hills controversy is no longer just another land dispute—it is fast turning into a credibility test for the government.
Unless the Chief Minister orders a transparent, time-bound investigation, the perception that “something bigger is being buried” is only set to grow louder across Himachal Pradesh.
