JD-U, RJD demand probe into BJP’s land purchase spree in Bihar

Mangalore Today News Network

Patna, Nov 25, 2016: Bihar’s ruling Janata Dal-United and Rashtriya Janata Dal on Friday demanded a probe into the Bharatiya Janata Party’s land deals worth crores of rupees in different parts of the state ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s demonetisation announcement.

A local Hindi news channel on Thursday telecast a report that the BJP purchased land in 25 districts of Bihar ahead of demonetisation of Rs 500 and 1,000 notes on November 9.

BJP legislator Sanjeev Chaurasia, who was reportedly involved in the purchase, said the land deals were for party offices in various districts.

“There is nothing in it, party had purchased the land for its office in different districts, that is all,” he said.

However, RJD legislator Bhai Virendra said the BJP managed its black money by purchasing land worth crores of rupees ahead of the note ban.

“This move has exposed the fact that the BJP was aware of the demonetisation and finalised the deal for land before it was announced by Modi. This is a serious matter and there should be a high-level probe into it,” he said.

JD-U legislator and party spokesperson Neeraj Kumar also made similar demands.

“How come the BJP purchased land worth crores of rupees in the last week of October and first week of November, just before demonetisation was announced,” he asked.

Leader of Opposition in the Bihar assembly Prem Kumar told the media that the BJP had purchased land at the circle rate fixed by the government in districts for party offices. “There is nothing wrong in it,” he said.

Another senior BJP leader and former deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi said if cash payments were made for the purchase, as alleged, there should be a probe.

“The probe will establish as to who paid the cash and who received it,” he said.

According to reports, the BJP purchased land in more than two dozen districts, including Saharsa, Patna, Madhubani, Katihar, Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Kishanganj and Arwal.

The size of the plots acquired ranged from 250 sq feet to about half an acre, valued between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 1.16 crore. The costliest land was bought at Rs 1,100 per sq feet.