Shimla: A formal complaint has been filed with the Election Commission of India, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat and the Returning Officer of the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly against Anurag Sharma, Rajya Sabha member elected from Himachal Pradesh, alleging concealment of assets and violation of election rules during the nomination process.
The complaint was submitted by Dharamshala-based advocate Nitasha Katoch. It claims that Sharma, a resident of Beed village in Baijnath, Kangra district, was declared elected to the Rajya Sabha on March 7, 2026, but his nomination affidavit allegedly did not disclose complete details of assets as required under Section 33 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
According to the complaint, information on the Election Commission portal suggests that several land properties in Baijnath and Multhan areas of Kangra district and in the Jogindernagar region of Mandi district were not disclosed in the affidavit. It also alleges that details regarding a licensed weapon were not properly mentioned in the nomination documents.
The complaint further refers to Section 9A of the Act, alleging that Sharma was functioning as a government contractor at the time of filing his nomination and had ongoing contracts with the Public Works Department worth around ₹16 crore. Under the law, individuals holding active government contracts may face disqualification from contesting elections.
Additionally, the complaint raises concerns over the alleged haste in issuing the election certificate by the Assembly Secretary, stating that the certificate should have been issued only after clarifying the status of the contracts.
Advocate Katoch has also cited Section 125A of the Representation of the People Act, which makes providing false or incomplete information in an election affidavit a punishable offence. She has urged authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and take necessary legal action to maintain transparency and credibility in the electoral process.
