Opening another front against BJP, Congress today accused former Himachal Pradesh CM PK Dhumal and his son Anurag Thakur of denting state exchequer by Rs 100 crore by leasing out 16-acre of land to HPCA at an annual rate of Rs 12, a charge denied by the association and Thakur.
However, Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association in a statement said, ”It is really unfortunate that Congress is dragging HPCA in their personal vendetta against Anurag Thakur who happens to be one of the young charismatic leaders of the BJP.”
The transfer of land smacks of “blatant constitutional impropriety, parent conflict of interest, glaring misuse of office, usurpation of public property and duping of public exchequer,” Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh told reporters here.
“Conflict of interest has been in evidence. At every step father and son have conspired to take decisions after decisions which is not in the interest of Himachal Pradesh,” Ramesh said.
Producing documents in support of the accusation against the Dhumal-led government, Ramesh said the land for the stadium was given on a lease at a measly sum of Rs one per month against the state government rule of leasing out at Rs 94 lakh per annum.
“This not only led to a loss Rs 100 crore to the exchequer, the CM approved the decision in the Cabinet on May 27, 2002 undermining the notings of senior officials of the state government,” he said, claiming the request for the allotment came only after the approval was given.
“I wonder if Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promise of acting against corruption would apply retrospectively in this case,” Ramesh questioned and sought action against Thakur who is a Lok Sabha MP and president of BJP’s yuva morcha wing.
Thakur, who is holding the post of BCCI secretary, was the president of HPCA when the land for the stadium was given on lease.
Slamming the Congress, Thakur reacted separately and said the allegations reflect the “bankruptcy” in the party and termed it as “lies” and an attempt to “destroy” sports in the country.
HPCA said the “land is leased to the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association and not to Thakur or his family in their individual capacities”.