Nalagarh MLA KL Thakur under fire for violating MCC during Lok Sabha Poll

 In an unusual development during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Nalagarh MLA KL Thakur has found himself embroiled in a fresh controversy.

 Accusations have surfaced against Thakur for violating the election Model Code of Conduct by inaugurating a repaired bridge on Mahadev Khad on Swarghat Road without the necessary permissions.

The controversy centers around an incident that took place on May 31, when Thakur, accompanied by his supporters, visited the newly repaired Mahadev bridge. 

Despite the bridge being reopened for traffic on the night of May 29 after repairs by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), Thakur took it upon himself to cut a ribbon symbolizing its inauguration and subsequently posted a video of the event on social media. 

This act was carried out without informing or seeking approval from the Election Commission or the local administration, a clear breach of the Model Code of Conduct.

KL Thakur, who recently rejoined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on March 23 after resigning as an Independent MLA on March 22, is no stranger to controversy.

 His switch to BJP is still under scrutiny, with a complaint lodged by Congress MLAs awaiting a decision from the Speaker. 

The bridge on Mahadev Khad had been closed on March 21 due to structural damage. Repairs were undertaken by NHAI, and the bridge was deemed fit for vehicular traffic by the night of May 29. 

On learning about the bridge’s reopening, Thakur promptly arrived at the site on May 31 with his supporters, who had tied a ribbon across the bridge to halt traffic.

 Thakur cut this ribbon and distributed sweets, actions he claims were done at the behest of his supporters rather than an official inauguration.

The NHAI’s Assistant Engineer Manish Thakur confirmed that no NHAI officials were present during this incident and that the bridge was operational before Thakur’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

The Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) issued a show cause notice to Thakur after becoming aware of the unauthorized event, and a report has been forwarded to higher authorities. 

Additionally, DSP Nalagarh Geetanjali Thakur has confirmed that a case has been registered against the MLA for violating the election code of conduct, with ongoing investigations.

KL Thakur defended his actions by stating that his presence at the bridge was merely to inspect its condition for vehicular movement and that the ribbon-cutting and sweet distribution were not formal inaugurations but actions driven by his supporters. 

Despite his explanations, the incident raises significant questions about compliance with election regulations and the responsibilities of public representatives during sensitive election periods.