Himachal Pradesh BJP President Satpal Satti accused Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh for misusing his official position and government machinery in his poll campaign for Congress nominees.
In a press statement, Satti accused Virbhadra Singh for terrorizing his political opponents by misusing administrative machinery. He also accused Virbhadra Singh for harassing officials for not obeying him.
Citing instances, Satpal Satti said after the schedule for Lok Sabha was announced by the Election Commission on March 5 Virbhadra Singh sought the approval of the Governor to prosecute former Himachal Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, for various made up “offences” in connection with the grant of land on lease to the HP Cricket Association. It was unusual for an acting Chief Secretary to personally prod for the Governor’s approval in such a case. He said it was not an advice of the Council of Minister to which the Governor is constitutionally bound to accede. By making the chief secretary personally call on the Governor to seek her approval, Virbhadra Singh exceeded his authority and denied Governor the opportunity to apply her mind. The CM was in a hurry because he wanted to make an electoral capital out of this administrative action, Satti charged.
Again, BJP President said, Virbhadra Singh made the Police file an FIR against BJP candidate from Shimla parliamentary constituency Virender Kashyap on March 9 for a matter which was investigated by the Police five years back in 2009 and he was exonerated.
In another case, Satti added, a case was registered on April 1 against BJP ex-MLA Baldev Sharma for assaulting a woman 2 years back.
With these dictatorial whims, Satti charged, there is a flurry of activity in the administration to file criminal cases against important Opposition leaders to mislead the People of Himachal Pradesh during elections.
Satti alleged that with this highhandedness, Virbhadra Singh is trying to hide himself from the heap of corruption that has piled up around his own self.