Shimla:
Senior Himachal BJP spokesperson and former Sujanpur MLA Rajendra Rana has alleged large-scale corruption in the name of installing smart meters in Himachal Pradesh. Calling it the state’s “biggest and smartest scam,” Rana launched a sharp attack on the Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu-led government over the smart meter tender process.
Rana claimed that smart meter tenders worth around ₹900 crore were initiated at multiple locations on the directions of the Electricity Board’s Board of Directors. He said the tender was awarded to L1 bidder as per rules, but later pressure was allegedly applied from the Chief Minister’s Office to bypass norms and allot the work to a person from Nadaun, the Chief Minister’s constituency.
According to Rana, when a Chief Engineer refused to comply with this alleged illegal pressure, he was transferred to Shimla headquarters “in the middle of the night.” He further alleged that the officer was denied basic facilities like an office and even a chair for refusing to support the move.
Rana stated that despite the legal allocation to L1, the government later divided several tenders among L1, L2, L3 and L4, which he called a clear case of “institutional corruption” and misuse of power. He alleged that the entire process was carried out to benefit close associates, while the financial burden was being passed on to the people of Himachal Pradesh.
He also claimed that electricity bills have sharply increased after smart meter installations, calling it proof of “public loot.” Rana warned that officers involved under pressure should correct their actions, or they may face legal consequences in the future.
Taking a political dig, Rana said the Sukhu government “will not survive even till November,” claiming Congress MLAs themselves are unhappy with the functioning of the Chief Minister.
Rana demanded an impartial investigation into the entire smart meter tender process, strict action against the guilty, and an immediate halt to what he termed the “smart loot” being imposed on the people of Himachal Pradesh.
