New Delhi, June 2: With the Nishank goverment under attack over a series of scams, Congress leaders from Uttarakhand today sought the intervention of President Pratibha Patil in checking "rampant corruption" in the poll-bound BJP-ruled state.
In a memorandum submitted to Patil, the delegation led by AICC general secretary in-charge for the state Virendra Singh submitted a charge sheet on corruption issues against the Uttarkhand government highlighting "scams" in land allotment in Rishikesh, hydro power projects, disaster management and Uttarakhand Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation Limited.
Referring to a report of the CAG, the memorandum said the state government's "grave illegalities and irregularities" have been totally exposed in organising the Maha Kumb Mela 2010.
"Lots of corruption and irregularities were committed in construction of bridges, roads, residences and works related to cleanliness, drinking water, health and electricity," the memorandum alleged.
It also alleged "misuse of the government money" by the state.
It said the state government is "completely exposed" in the "allotment of 56 power projects...17 projects were alloted to just four persons...on this scam being exposed, the government was forced to cancel the allotment of all the 56 hydro power projects, which cannot wash away the criminality of the act."
Highlighing the alleged "land scam" in Rishikesh, the memorandum charged that "out of 50.47 acres of prime land on Ganga river bank, 30 acres worth RS 400 crore was sold to builders and property developers holding high offices and position in the ruling party for a paltry amount of Rs 13 crore."
The Congress leaders alleged that the BJP Chief Minister also allowed the change of land use, exempted the same from tax and even the mandatory registration required for a builder was exempted in violation of laws. The memorandum also accused Uttarkhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokharial "Nishank" of nominating his "close associate" as Chariman of Uttarakand Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation Ltd in violation of law.
"It is apparent that this appointment was made in a conspiracy to siphon off the finances of the corporation by dubious means," the Congress delegation alleged listing irregularities in various purchases by the Corporation later on.
The delegation also accused the state of committing "irregularities in implementation of various Central government schemes there including in the distribution of the foodgrains and oil for the BPL categories, saying the "state government is not all interested in implementation of schemes meant for weaker sections."
Sources say the Congress has sought to turn the tables on Opposition with plans to expose "scandals" in states ruled by them particularly BJP. A high-level delegation of the party from Gujarat will be meeting Patil tomorrow and submit to her a list of "exposes" regarding scams in the Narendra Modi-ruled state.
Sources said the delegation will submit "proof of corruption" and the party will also release CDs carrying details of corruption in the state. PTI
