Mahajan refutes charges of corruption

Shimla, Apr 5 (UNI) Refuting charges of corruption against him and the Revenue Department, Himachal Pradesh Revenue Minister Sat Mahajan today asked the BJP to withdraw their charges made against him and his department or file an affidavit in support of their allegations in the Lokayukta.

Addressing mediapersons here, he said since the BJP had tarnished his image by levelling charges of corruption against him and his department, he had no recourse but to approach the Lokayukta.

The BJP had presented a charge sheet against all ministers of the state Congress Government to State Governor V S Kokje on March five, alleging that the ministers were involved in widespread corruption.

Mr Mahajan said he was leaving for the Lokayukta immediately after the conference and would urge him to issue directions to the BJP members to file affidavits to substantiate their charges.

''Since a court case would take years to adjudicate on the issue, I thought approaching the Lokayukta is the best option available to me.'' Either the BJP should substantiate their corruption charges against the department and me or tender an unconditional apology, he said.

Dismissing the BJP's allegation that the Revenue Department was extending protection to the land mafia, he said his department only releases a no objection certificate (NoC) and the land was allotted by the Industries Department.

Besides, the permission to sell land was given under HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act after examining each case on merit, he said.

''If any specific case of fault is brought to our knowledge, the matter would be inquired into.'' The Revenue Minister said the allegations pertaining to purchase of computers by Panchayati Raj Department were also false, as the computers were purchased by the Information and Technology Department, which was responsible for the finalization of rates and quality.

He also dismissed the accusation of exploitation of farmers by the state government to benefit big industrial houses and said the charges were baseless and unsubstantial.

UNI