Double standards by Maha govt in plot allotment to Hema: Chavan

Mumbai, Jan 29: Allotment of a prime piece of land to actress and BJP MP Hema Malini allegedly at a "throwaway price" by Maharashtra government today kicked up a storm with state Congress President Ashok Chavan accusing the BJP dispensation of violating rules and following "double standards". "The government is indulging in double standards in allocation of the plot.

This government had earlier said they will formulate a fresh policy on granting government land which directly affects the state exchequer but in the case of the BJP MP, no such procedure was followed," Chavan told reporters here.

The state government has allotted land measuring 2,000 square metres to Hema's Natyvihar Kala Kendra. According to the documents obtained under an RTI query, the actress has been allotted the land located in suburban Oshiwara, at the rate of Rs 35 per square metre (total cost Rs 70,000) by the Mumbai Suburban District Collectorate.

The plot in question, is said to be originally reserved for a garden and was given to the BJP MP from Mathura for a pittance even as she remains in possession of an earlier plot in the financial capital. Reportedly, in 1997, the Shiv Sena-BJP government had given Malini a plot of land in Versova village of Andheri taluka, but she could not develop it due to CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) issues.

The allotment came under scanner after the government failed to charge the actress-politician (for the current land) as per the ready reckoner rate.

The ready reckoner rate is an annual statement of property rates based on which the government collects stamp duty from buyers. It is the basis for calculation of market value of flats for stamp duty and registration charges.

On agrarian distress, the MPCC President said, "we have demanded loan waiver for farmers to the state government but it is insensitive on the issue." In the first 22 days of 2016, 70 farmers have committed suicide, he claimed. Stating that MNREGA was started by UPA regime in 2006, he said, MPCC would hold a workshop at Aurangabad on February 2 to commemorate the occasion.

PTI