BJP to expose Congress Government scams, says Dhumla

Shimla, Dec 17 (UNI) Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister P K Dhumal has hit back at state Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and said his government will expose the Congress Government's scam and scandals on coming to power after the elections.

Nobody, high or low, who played with the interests of the state and indulged in underhand transactions would be spared, he said in a release here.

Mr Dhumal's statement assumes importance in view of the release of full details of the list of the candidates recommended and rejected by the previous BJP Government for government jobs in various departments by the Chief Minister on Saturday.

Alleging irregularities in the acquisition of land by the present state government for the construction of Jakhu Ropeway here and handed over to a private party, he said some influential people had prospered due to its underhand dealings in it.

Referring to the auction of HPMC land at Kundli, near Delhi-Haryana border, he claimed that instead of forfeiting the bid amount of the highest bidder, as per the contract, the government not only refunded that amount, but also the interest amount of Rs 225 lakh, which reportedly changed hands among the state's bigwig.

Similarly, the barren land of a few influential people at Hatkoti was acquired at double the rate then what was offered for the irrigated land of the poor, Mr. Dhumal said, adding that this was besides siphoning off central funds for Kangra tourist circuit for the construction of a road to a private orchid.

The BJP leader alleged that the party has also derived ''undue financial benefits'' by issuing 65 to 70 on objection certificates to different industrial units against all rules norms when the model code of conduct was in force.

The BJP, on coming to power, besides ordering an inquiry into these scams, would take strict action against all guilty, he added.

UNI