Two States Probe National Herald Land Misuse As Gandhis Prep For Court Appearance

Mangalore Today News Network

Mumbai, Dec 17, 2015:  As the Congress preps to turn the appearance in court of its top leaders Sonia and Rahul Gandhi into a big show of strength in Delhi, two more states are now investigating alleged misuse of land leased to National Herald, a newspaper the party once ran, at concessional rates. 

 

There are allegations that land allotted to the now out-of-print National Herald and its holding company Associated Journals Limited or AJL, is being used commercially in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

In Mumbai, an 11-storey building called the "Congress Bhavan" is coming up on land allotted in 1983 for a library named after India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Its purpose is listed as "commercial" and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis of the BJP has ordered an investigation. 

Anil Galgali, an RTI activist, claims he had written twice to former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan of the Congress, but got no response. "There are so many violations. First, when land is given at concessional rates, construction must begin within three years as per law. But even after the 30-year lease ended in 2013, not a single brick was laid here. Second, how can the purpose suddenly change to "commercial"? In that case they must pay the market price of Rs. 250-300 crores," Mr Galgali said.

The Congress’ Sanjay Nirupam said the new building would house a "Nehru library." But he also added, "To ensure the objective is self-sustained, commercial activities must be allowed."

In Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, a one-acre plot of land leased to run an edition of the National Herald, now houses a mega mart, showrooms for electronic appliances and even a call centre, all in Nehru’s Name.

The Bhopal Development Authority alleges that portions of the land were sold off to 15 individuals. It did not renew the lease when it expired in 2011, moving court to cancel the allotment.

The Gandhis have been asked to appear in court on Saturday in a case filed by the BJP’s Subramanian Swamy, who alleges that they illegally acquired property worth Rs. 5,000 crore by taking over assets and liabilities of AJL, through a company the Young Indian, in which they own over 75 per cent stake. 

In Delhi, different floors in the building where the National Herald was once headquartered are now rented out for lakhs of rupees. Congress leader Digvijay Singh denied the allegation that the Young Indian benefits from this revenue.

"Associated Journal keeps the revenue for upkeep, not one of the stakeholders. It is all audited, so show me where the problem is," he told NDTV.

 

Courtesy: NDTV