The tragic death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), has turned into a political battleground, with allegations and counter-allegations dominating the state’s Legislative Assembly proceedings. Negi, who reportedly succumbed to extreme workplace stress, was cremated at his native village, Katgaon. His grieving family and relatives remain in shock, mourning the loss of a man dedicated to his work. However, the political storm surrounding his death intensified as the Opposition and the ruling Congress engaged in a heated debate over accountability and governance.
In the Assembly, Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur spearheaded the BJP’s attack, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Negi’s controversial death and the overall functioning of HPPCL. The BJP introduced an adjournment motion under Rule 67, calling for immediate clarification on the government’s actions regarding the case. However, the motion was rejected by the Speaker, who maintained that the government had already provided adequate information on the matter.
Jai Ram Thakur further questioned the selective actions taken against officials, highlighting that while Director (Electrical) Desh Raj had been suspended, the Managing Director of HPPCL remained untouched. He pointed to unresolved concerns surrounding the Shongtong Hydro Power and Pekhubela Power projects, asserting that serious questions had emerged since the Congress government assumed office. The demand for accountability from the government fueled tensions, leading to the BJP staging a dramatic walkout from the Assembly, chanting slogans against the ruling party.
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu countered the BJP’s accusations by drawing attention to a past tragedy during Jai Ram Thakur’s tenure, where seven people lost their lives due to the consumption of illicit liquor. This remark further escalated the confrontation, with both parties engaging in a verbal clash over governance failures and crisis management. Sukhu defended his government’s handling of the Vimal Negi case, stating that the authorities had taken necessary steps and that Negi’s family was satisfied with the action taken so far.
The political turmoil over the issue underscores the larger battle between the BJP and Congress in Himachal Pradesh, where both parties continue to weaponize sensitive matters for political mileage. As the controversy deepens, the call for an impartial investigation remains a focal point of public discourse, with demands for justice for Vimal Negi growing louder.
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