Complaint filed against Cong RS member Anurag Sharma for ‘concealing assets’

Shimla: A formal complaint has been lodged by a Dharamshala-based lawyer with the election commission, Rajya Sabha Secretariat, and the returning officer of the Himachal Pradesh legislative assembly against Rajya Sabha member and Congress leader Anurag Sharma for allegedly concealing assets and violating electoral laws.

Sharma, Kangra district Congress president and resident of village Beer in tehsil Baijnath of Kangra district, was declared elected to the Rajya Sabha with effect from March 7.

As per a press statement issued by the state BJP head office, the complaint was filed by Dharamshala-based lawyer Nitasha Katoch. The complainant alleged that Sharmas electoral affidavit did not disclose complete and accurate details of his movable and immovable assets, as required under Section 33 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Katoch claimed that several land properties in Kangras Baijnath and Multhan areas and Mandis Jogindernagar region were not listed in the affidavit.

The complainant also claimed that details of a licensed firearm were not correctly disclosed.

Nitasha Katoch cited Section 9A of the Act, stating Sharma had ongoing govt contracts worth around Rs 16 crore at the time of filing the nomination. Under Section 9A, candidates with active govt contracts may not be eligible to contest the elections.

The complainant also raised concerns over a hastily issued certificate by the legislative assembly secretary to Sharma, questioning procedural propriety. Katoch urged the authorities to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation and take legal action to ensure transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

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