Last-Minute Appointment Sparks Political Row in Himachal , CPI(M ) condemns the decision
In a decision that has stirred political debate in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has appointed senior IAS officer Sanjay Gupta as the regular Chief Secretary—just five days before his retirement on May 31. The appointment was formalised through a government notification issued on Tuesday.
Gupta, a 1988-batch IAS officer, had already been serving as the acting Chief Secretary since October 1, 2025, following the retirement of his predecessor, Prabodh Saxena. With his tenure nearing its end, the move to grant him a full-time appointment has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from opposition parties.
The decision has especially come under fire from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), which has been demanding his removal for some time. The party has linked Gupta to alleged irregularities in the controversial Chester Hill Housing Project in Solan, a matter currently under scrutiny by the state government.
CPM state secretary Sanjay Chauhan criticised what he described as a contradiction in the government’s stance. “On one hand, the government talks about zero tolerance for corruption, and on the other, it appoints an officer facing serious allegations and pending cases,” he said in a statement, also noting that certain aspects of Gupta’s conduct have been questioned in court.
Sanjay Gupta, however, has firmly denied all allegations. He has claimed that the accusations are part of a conspiracy orchestrated by two former Chief Secretaries, aimed at tarnishing his reputation.
The controversy has also drawn sharp criticism from the BJP. Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur strongly condemned the move, questioning both the timing and the intent behind the appointment. He alleged that the decision reflects poorly on the state leadership.
“At a time when the matter is under judicial consideration through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), appointing him as the regular Chief Secretary raises serious concerns,” Thakur said. He went on to accuse the government of being overly influenced by bureaucratic pressures.
The appointment has thus become a flashpoint in the state’s political discourse, highlighting growing tensions between the ruling government and opposition parties. While the government has not yet issued a detailed response to the criticism, the development is likely to keep the issue in focus, especially with Gupta’s retirement just days away.
