Former Jaisinghpur MLA Ravinder Dhiman has made a serious allegation against state Ayush and Sports Minister Yadvinder Gomma. Dhiman claims that Gomma holds a 40 per cent stake in a stone crusher project in the constituency, which would violate rules for public office holders.
The allegation is based on information Dhiman says he obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. He made the statement while addressing mediapersons in Palampur.
Former MLA demands impartial inquiry into minister's business stake
Dhiman is calling for an impartial inquiry into the matter. He wants official records and documents to be verified, and he wants the findings to be made public.
According to the former MLA, a person holding public office cannot enter into private business activities. He said the RTI information raises questions about the alleged involvement of an incumbent minister in a commercial project and the possibility of a conflict of interest.
"A person holding a public office could not enter into private business activities and the information obtained under the RTI Act raised questions about the alleged involvement of an incumbent minister in a commercial project and the possibility of a conflict of interest." — Ravinder Dhiman, former Jaisinghpur MLA
BJP leader seeks examination of stone crusher project allegations
The BJP leader said the matter should be examined. He has not provided further details beyond his demand for a full investigation.
This is a developing story. The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from Minister Gomma has been mentioned in the available information.
Our Take: Conflict of interest claims need transparent probe
To put it plainly, this is a serious accusation that deserves proper attention. When a sitting minister is alleged to hold a business stake in a project within their own constituency, the public has a right to know the truth.
The demand for an impartial inquiry is reasonable. Verification of records and public disclosure would help clear the air — either confirming the allegation or proving it false. In our view, transparency is the only way to maintain public trust in elected officials.
We will continue to follow this story as more information becomes available.