Ex-Legislators Questioned in Himachal Pradesh Bribery Case

Three former Himachal Pradesh legislators joined the investigation into allegations of electoral offences, criminal conspiracy, and bribery during the February Rajya Sabha polls. The FIR, termed politically motivated by the accused, targets nine MLAs who cross-voted against Congress. The inquiry follows a complaint by Congress MLAs.

Three former legislators of Himachal Pradesh—Rajinder Rana from Sujanpur, K L Thakur from Nalagarh, and Devinder Bhuttoo from Kutlehar—on Friday, joined investigations into accusations of electoral offences, criminal conspiracy, and bribery related to the February Rajya Sabha polls.

On March 10, a case was registered against Ashish Sharma, BJP MLA from Hamirpur, Rakesh Sharma, father of former MLA from Gagret Chetanya Sharma, and others, following a complaint filed by Congress MLAs Sanjay Avasthi and Bhuvneshwar Gaur. The Congress MLAs allege electoral offences, corrupt practices, and criminal conspiracy throughout the Rajya Sabha election process.

Rana called the FIR ''politically motivated'', accusing Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of retaliating against the nine cross-voting MLAs. He alleged Sukhu has misled the public and taken enormous loans while closing numerous institutions. The three questioned MLAs are among the nine, including six Congress MLAs and three Independents, who cross-voted for BJP nominee Harsh Mahajan. Rana maintains their votes were guided by conscience and not an attempt to topple the Congress government.

(With inputs from agencies.)