Controversy Surrounds New Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Appointment

Sanjay Gupta has been appointed as Himachal Pradesh's chief secretary amid controversy. The appointment follows corruption allegations related to the Chester Hill project in Solan district. Despite demands for a judicial inquiry by political opponents, Gupta denies the allegations, attributing them to a conspiracy by former officials.

Sanjay Gupta's appointment as the chief secretary of Himachal Pradesh has sparked a political firestorm. The 1988-batch IAS officer is embroiled in allegations of corruption concerning the Chester Hill real estate project in Solan district. Critics, including the Communist Party of India (Marxist), are calling for his removal and a judicial inquiry.

The controversy intensified after the CPI(M) accused the state Congress government of disregarding its zero-tolerance for corruption, pointing to Gupta's pending cases. Allegations include irregularities in land transactions connected to the Chester Hill projects, leading to calls for legal action against involved parties, including Gupta.

Gupta, defending against these allegations, asserts his innocence and suggests that they are a smear campaign initiated by former chief secretaries. Despite the backlash, the state has moved forward with his appointment, raising questions about governance and accountability in the region.