BJP Flags Alleged Misuse of Official Machinery Ahead of Panchayat Polls in Himachal
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expressed concerns over the fairness of the upcoming Panchayat elections in Himachal Pradesh, alleging misuse of administrative machinery in Sirmaur district. The party has approached the State Election Commission with two separate complaints, seeking the transfer of government officials whom it accuses of favouring Congress-backed candidates.
In a statement issued from the BJP state office, State Office Secretary Parmod Thakur claimed that certain officials were allegedly using their official positions to tilt the electoral process in favour of the ruling Congress party. He said such actions could undermine the credibility of the Panchayat elections and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
In its first complaint, the BJP demanded the immediate transfer of Paramjit Thakur, Superintendent Grade‑II and officiating Block Development Officer (BDO) of Development Block Nahan. The party alleged that the officer was functioning under the influence of a local Congress MLA and was acting in a manner detrimental to BJP-supported candidates.
According to the BJP, people affiliated with the Congress were allegedly being given undue benefits under schemes such as MGNREGA and other local development programmes, while BJP supporters were facing discrimination in around 25 Panchayats of the district. The party also claimed that the previous officer had been transferred under political pressure and that Paramjit Thakur was appointed to serve the interests of the ruling party.
The BJP warned that such alleged practices could seriously affect the level playing field required for free and fair Panchayat elections.
In a second complaint, the party sought the transfer of Junior Engineer Shamsher Prakash, posted in Development Block Paonta Sahib. The BJP pointed out that his wife, Kiran Bala, is contesting the Panchayat election for the post of Pradhan from Gram Panchayat Rampur Bharapur.
The party alleged that Shamsher Prakash, in coordination with local officials, was attempting to influence the election process by ensuring favourable postings of officials in the concerned Panchayat area. BJP leaders said this situation raises serious concerns about conflict of interest and the possible misuse of official position to influence voters.
Reiterating established Election Commission norms, the BJP noted that officials whose immediate family members are contesting elections should not be posted in the same area where they could directly or indirectly affect the electoral process.
The party has urged the State Election Commission to conduct a fair and impartial inquiry into both matters and ensure the immediate transfer of the concerned officials to maintain neutrality, transparency and public confidence in the Panchayat elections.
Targeting the Congress-led state government, the BJP alleged an increasing trend of administrative misuse for political gain. The party said it would continue to raise such issues to protect democratic values and ensure free and fair elections across Himachal Pradesh.
