The Hindu : New Delhi News : Mukhi alleges land scam

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Friday, Feb 11, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

Mukhi alleges land scam

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, FEB.10. Upping the ante against the Delhi Government, the Leader of the Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Jagdish Mukhi, today accused the Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, and the Chief Secretary, S. Regunathan, of being "bhagidars'' in a multi-crore land scam involving the private power distribution company BSES, a unit of Reliance Energy, owned by Anil Ambani. "Both Ms.Dikshit and Mr. Regunathan were going out of the way to oblige this company and displace hundreds of residents of the DESU colony in Janakpuri to help BSES construct a commercial complex there," he alleged.

Addressing a press conference, Mr. Mukhi said that instead of reprimanding the private company and directing it to cancel the illegal eviction orders served on the residents of this colony, the Delhi Chief Secretary, under the directions of the Chief Minister, held a meeting on January 28 to dilute the issue and help the company change land use. "I must compliment the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary for taking the bhagidari scheme to new heights and being partners in acts aimed at displacing the poor residents and helping a big company to throw all norms and rules to winds and putting at peril the law of the land,'' Mr. Mukhi remarked.

He said the Public Works Department had developed this DESU colony over 24 acres of prime land and constructed 904 flats of various categories. The Delhi Development Authority changes the land use and only the Lieutenant-Governor can do this. But the Delhi Government held a special meeting to cover up all the illegal acts of this company and also help in illegal land use change. Warning against demolition of the colony on February 15, the BJP leader said that his party would hit the streets and prevent any demolition. His party would not allow the company to convert the residential property into commercial venture and oppose tooth and nail any such venture of the private company in connivance with the Delhi Government. "It is unfortunate that the Government land worth hundreds of crores of rupees was being grabbed by a private company and the Sheila Dikshit Government is actively aiding and abetting this act. We are prepared to launch an agitation on the issue and mobilise public opinion against the blatant misuse of terms and conditions of privatisation,'' he said.

According to the minutes of the meeting taken by the Chief Secretary on January 28, it was decided that the Power Department and BSES would confirm the status of land and buildings with regard to ownership and agreement. A detailed survey of the colony would be carried out by BSES for number of flats lying vacant. A comprehensive condition survey of these flats would be carried out by the PWD and proposal with regard to strengthening of existing structures would be prepared. However, Mr. Mukhi alleged that there was no need to verify the status of land, as the Government already knew everything about it. "It is just a ploy by the Chief Secretary at the behest of the Chief Minister to dilute the matter so that the heat turns off the issue and then the Government could allow the BSES to have its own way," he said

"I sincerely urge the Lieutenant-Governor, B.L. Joshi, to hold a high-level inquiry into the whole matter and punish the guilty officials. The demolition orders of the BSES company should be cancelled immediately and immediate action should be taken to protect the hundreds of families living in these flats," he said.

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