Congress, BJP spar in Assembly over death of Himachal power corporation chief engineer Negi

The death of Vimal Negi, Chief Engineer of Himachal Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (HPPCL), sparked a heated exchange between Congress MLAs and the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The BJP legislators, demanding a CBI probe into the functioning of HPPCL and the controversial death of Negi, walked out of the House, raising slogans.

The BJP raised the issue by bringing an adjournment motion under Rule 67, seeking clarification from the government about the action taken in the investigation of Negi’s death. However, the Speaker rejected the motion, stating that the government had already provided detailed information on the matter.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur, however, noted that while Desh Raj, the Director (Electrical), had been suspended, no similar action had been taken against the Managing Director of HPPCL. He stated that numerous questions have been raised about the Shongtong Hydro Power and Pekhubela Power projects since the Congress government took office.

Thakur further claimed that Negi had been under significant work pressure, and called for a CBI inquiry to ensure a fair and impartial investigation.

In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the government’s actions, stating that Negi’s family was satisfied with the steps taken by the authorities.

Sukhu also criticised the BJP, pointing out that they had failed to act when seven people died after consuming illicit liquor during their tenure. The remark led to the BJP walking out of the Assembly, with members raising slogans.