BJP's charges against me unsubstantiated, says Singi Ram

Shimla, Mar 10 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Horticulture, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Singh Ram today dismissed charges of corruption leveled against him by the state unit of the BJP, saying they were ill founded and contrary to the facts.

Talking to reporters here, he said it was unfortunate that his brother's name had been also been dragged in the charge sheet and maintained that they were adults and independent units and had full rights to enter the job market and rise economically in their independent manner.

Mr. Ram said was reacting to the BJP's charge sheet submitted to the Governor on Sunday that accused him of illegally occupying 40 square meters more then the area allotted to him in Sector -I causing financial loss to the state government.

It also accused the minister of using his political influence for renting his three-storey building to NJPC at a monthly rent of Rs 36,000.

Mr. Ram said he had purchased 160 sq mts plot from the Shimla Development Authority and had paid money for it as against 120 sq plot as alleged in the BJP's charge sheet.

The Minister said he had constructed a house on the plot and rented it to Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVNL), which was no offence.

UNI AS HS PK HT2135