CM Sukhu rejects ADR report allegations about his assets

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Shimla,July 29

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday dismissed the criticism over the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was attempting to defame him by misrepresenting facts about his assets. He asserted that he had not purchased any new property after becoming Chief Minister and said all his assets had already been declared in his election affidavit.

Addressing reporters, Sukhu clarified that the land being referred to in the report had been purchased several years ago. He said its value had naturally appreciated over time and increased by more than ₹12 lakh. He added that he later constructed a house on the same land, resulting in a further increase in its value. According to the Chief Minister, these details have always been available in the public domain.

Sukhu also questioned the accuracy of the ADR report, claiming it contained incomplete information regarding his educational qualifications. He said the report failed to mention his Master’s (MA) and Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degrees and urged that the record be corrected.

Responding to the BJP’s allegations, the Chief Minister said the party had agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at its disposal. He said he had already undergone investigations in the past and maintained that if the BJP wished, it could initiate another inquiry. Sukhu asserted that he had earned his wealth through hard work and honesty and accused the BJP of presenting the report in a misleading manner.

Commenting on speculation about Congress legislators joining the BJP, Sukhu said any Congress MLA who wished to leave the party was free to do so. He said the Congress needed only those committed to its ideology and had no place for leaders who could be “bought.” He further claimed that BJP legislators frequently approached the Congress seeking party tickets but stated that the Congress would not induct leaders from what he described as a party associated with “paper leaks and donation theft.”

The Chief Minister also supported Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks on the Union Education Minister, saying the country needed an Education Minister with a clean image, an academic background, and a tenure free from incidents such as examination paper leaks.