Shimla: Vimal Negi Death & Pekhubela Solar Project – Political Storm Deepens as BJP Demands Probe, Ministers Attempt Damage Control
The mysterious death of HPPCL Chief Engineer Vimal Negi has snowballed into a major political storm, as opposition BJP tears into the Sukhu-led Congress government over alleged corruption in the 32 MW Pekhubela Solar Project, Una district.
BJP’s Fierce Offensive — Bikram Singh Calls Out “Systemic Corruption”
Former Industries Minister and senior BJP leader Bikram Singh accused the government of systemic corruption and administrative negligence.
> “The Pekhubela project reflects deep-rooted corruption. The government, fully aware of irregularities in HPPCL, chose silence. Had action been taken, Vimal Negi’s tragic death might have been prevented,” he said.
Singh pointed to inflated costs and alleged manipulation of tenders, adding that the government’s inaction emboldened corrupt officials.
He demanded an independent judicial probe and criticised the ruling party for offering superficial defences instead of real accountability.
Ministers' Measured Response
In a brief counter, Ministers Anirudh Singh and Rajesh Dharmani dismissed the BJP’s accusations, calling them an attempt to mislead the public.
“The Chief Minister has already clarified the matter in the Assembly with full documents,” they said.
“Baseless allegations won’t change the facts,” they added.
They also drew a comparison with Gujarat’s 35 MW Lakadia solar project, claiming that despite being awarded at ₹215.79 crore — much higher than its initial estimate of ₹140 crore — it did not face similar political scrutiny.
However, the ministers avoided addressing specific allegations about inflated costs and process lapses in Pekhubela.
