BJP MLA Hans Raj Apologizes Amid Allegations of Misconduct

Former Himachal Pradesh assembly deputy speaker and BJP MLA Hans Raj has issued an apology for comments he made regarding the towns of Nalagarh and Baddi. This development comes as the Congress Party demands an inquiry into allegations of misconduct against him made by a 21-year-old woman.

In a video posted on his social media account, Hans Raj, who represents Churah in Chamba District, expressed remorse for any hurt his remarks may have caused to residents of Nalagarh, Baddi, and surrounding industrial areas. “If the feelings of the people who work in these areas have been hurt by my comments, I sincerely apologise to them from my heart,” he stated. He further clarified that his comments were aimed at a specific individual rather than the entire community.

The three-time MLA rejected accusations of immoral conduct, asserting, “I have neither committed any wrongdoing nor engaged in adultery with any woman.” He suggested that the allegations against him form part of a broader conspiracy to damage his reputation.

The controversy escalated following his earlier remarks questioning the lifestyle of the woman who accused him, suggesting that her possessions contradicted her claims. “How can someone working in Baddi and Nalagarh own a flat, a phone worth ₹1.5 lakh, and wear branded clothes?” he questioned. This comment was met with significant backlash, with critics accusing him of belittling the working class in those industrial regions.

The woman, who belongs to a minority community, has alleged that Hans Raj exploited her and used threats against her and her family through his associates. Her initial complaint led to the registration of a case of sexual harassment against him on August 9, 2022, after she claimed he sent her obscene messages and solicited compromising photographs via WhatsApp.

Although the case was filed under sections 75 (sexual harassment) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, the woman later retracted her statement, reportedly under pressure from the MLA. On November 3, 2023, the Himachal Pradesh State Commission for Women (HPSCW) requested the Chamba police to investigate the matter further and ensure the complainant’s safety.

The father of the woman asserted that they faced threats to retract her police statement. He claimed, “Last year, when my daughter gave her statement in the Tisa court, it was absolutely correct. But after that, my daughter and I were kidnapped, forced into a vehicle, and taken to Shimla. There, we were threatened that if the statement was not changed, our house would be set on fire.”

In response to the serious nature of the allegations, Yashwant Khanna, a Congress functionary from Chamba, has publicly urged the state government to form a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a thorough inquiry. “My request to the Chief Minister is that a SIT should be formed for a fair inquiry in this case as the allegations are of serious nature,” Khanna stated. He also indicated plans to escalate the matter to various officials, including the Prime Minister and the BJP president J P Nadda.

The All India Democratic Women’s Association (AIDWA) has called for the cancellation of Hans Raj‘s assembly membership due to the gravity of the allegations. State secretary Falma Chauhan emphasized the need for a fair investigation, warning of potential protests if the government fails to act. “The MLA’s use of terms like ‘Hindu’ and ‘Muslim’ in his video was an attempt to incite communal tension,” Chauhan stated.

As the situation unfolds, the political and social repercussions of these allegations continue to reverberate throughout Himachal Pradesh, raising questions about accountability and the treatment of women in political contexts.