NEW DELHI: Pointing an accusing finger at the Delhi Mayor, Satbir Singh, the BJP MLA from Saket, Vijay Jolly, on Wednesday demanded a CBI inquiry and resignation of the Mayor for allegedly being involved in a major building scam that has rocked the Saket Cultural Club adjoining PVR Anupam.

Charging the Mayor with being in active connivance with builders and land grabbers, Mr. Jolly told newsmen that it was unfortunate that the First Citizen of Delhi was involved in land grabbing and illegal construction activity in the Saket Club premises. Not only under the patronage of Mr. Singh, who is also the president of this Club, covering of the main nullah on PVR Anupam cinema main road had been allowed to provide unauthorised access to the proposed new drinking bar and night club at the Club premises, but other activities were also being carried out in an illegal manner.

"Despite the present management headed by the Mayor having outlived its tenure of two years, they continue to exercise control over the Club and its premises and refuse to hold fresh elections. This is the true face of the Congress party. The Mayor of Delhi is often the most respected citizen but his post has been degraded by the Congress and Mr. Singh who is openly flouting all rules and regulations by playing into the hands of land grabbers and builder mafia,'' he added.

What is even more surprising that under Mr. Singh's leadership, the Club has been a defaulter of house tax to the tune of Rs. 24 lakhs. He claimed that despite having failed to get a no objection certificate from the MCD and the Fire Department, the Club was illegally running a swimming pool. He said a major portion of the Club had been leased out by Mr. Singh to a local builder leading to unauthorised constructions in the premises. The construction for opening of a drinking bar and nightclub was in full swing in total violation of the laid down norms and rules. "How was the covering of the main nullah allowed when it is known that such an action would lead to flooding of the area during the monsoon months?'' he asked.

Mr. Jolly also pointed an accusing finger at the Delhi Development Authority for having failed to take action against the violation of lease deed conditions and subsequent building laws. "I have written to the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dikshit, and the Delhi Lieutenant-Governor, B. L. Joshi, pointing out these major anomalies. I demand that a CBI inquiry should be conducted into the whole affair and DDA must act against the Club management for wrong-doing,'' he stated.

He said as part of the public protest, it had been decided to hold dharna in front of the Club premises on November 18 to highlight the failure of the authorities to act and take action against the guilty.

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