MS Dhoni Ad Shoot Sparks Political Controversy In Himachal Pradesh

Shimla: Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is being treated as a "state guest" in Himachal Pradesh, but the government is not spending any money on him apart from providing security, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur informed the state assembly today. Replying to a discussion initiated by Dehra MLA Hoshyar Singh during the monsoon session, Thakur said, "Dhoni is in Shimla for five days from August 27 to 31 and he has been provided adequate security by the state government".

Dhoni is in the state capital to shoot for an advertisement, he said.

"Let me make it clear that not even a single penny has been spent on Dhoni's stay here, only security has been provided to him by the state government and that is necessary for a renowned personality like him," he said.

The chief minister's remarks came after the opposition parties accused the state government of spending money on Dhoni's visit.

Later, when the House reassembled after lunch break, Congress MLA Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said he had not raised any question on declaring Dhoni as a "state guest" or if any money was spent on him, he only wanted that the state government should charge money for shooting the advertisement at par with other advertisers. (PTI)

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