Former PM's kin trying to grab JP Foundation: BJP leader

Varanasi, Sep 28 (UNI) Former BJP MP Virendra Singh today alleged the kin of former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar were attempting to grab Jaiprakash Narayan Foundation -- established in the memory of socialist leader Jai Prakash Narayan at his birthplace, Jaiprakash Nagar in Ballia district of Uttar Pradesh.

The former BJP MP from Mirzapur-Bhadohi constituency and also the secretary of the Foundation's executive committee demanded the central and state governments urgently step in by acquiring the Foundation and declaring it a national monument.

Interacting with mediapersons here Mr Singh said, relatives of Mr Chandra Shekhar, especially his nephew Ravi Shankar Singh 'Pappu' wanted to grab the properties of the Foundation, which were donated by masses.

''It is unfortunate that Mr Chandra Shekhar, who has always opposed the practice of dynastic politics, has so far done nothing to stop his kin from trying to grab the foundation.'' ''To save this memorial and its properties running into several crores of rupees from falling into the hands of vested interest, the government should acquire the Foundation and then declare it a national monument by naming it as 'Sampoorna Kranti Kendra' before October 11 -- the birth anniversary of Lok Nayak,'' he demanded.

Mr Singh also urged old friends of JP, including former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Vice-President Bhairo Singh Shekhawat to help the masses in preventing the grabbing of the institution.

Mr Singh, earlier, a close associate of Mr Chandra Shekhar, also asked the former PM and Samajwadi Janata Party president to come clean on the issue by paving the way for state acquisition of the Foundation and subsequent declaration as national monument.

He said the Foundation was registered on November 7, 1994 under Societies Registeration Act 1860 and the first election of executive committee was held in October 1999, following which the former PM was elected as chairman of the committee and Mr Singh its secretary.

''The next election as per law should have been held before November 7 2004, but the kin of Mr Chandra Shekhar fraudulently held the election on June 4. In the election the former PM's nephew was declared elected for the post of secretary,'' Mr Singh claimed.

The BJP leader moved the Registrar of Firms, Societies and Chits, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) August 24 last, demanding that the election be nullified and fresh election be held.

After taking into account contentions of all the parties in the matter, the Registrar on September 26 last, held as the election was not conducted before November 7 2004, the June 2006 election was in itself null and void.

The Registrar also appointed Assistant Registrar (Firms, Societies and Chit) in Azamgarh, Ashok Singh, as electoral officer, who would ensure that executive committee elections are held in two month time, Mr Singh maintained.

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