Himachal Chief Secretary Firmly Rejects CPI(M) Allegations Regarding Solan Housing Project Land
Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta of Himachal Pradesh has categorically dismissed allegations made by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) concerning purported legal violations in the allocation of land for the Chester Hills housing project in Solan. On Monday, Gupta described the accusations as completely "false and baseless," asserting that he had no involvement in any irregularities related to the project.
Land Transaction Conducted with Proper Approvals
Gupta clarified that the land in question, measuring approximately 275 bighas, was acquired before he assumed his current office. He emphasized that the transaction was executed with full approval from competent authorities and strictly adhered to all existing regulations. This includes compliance with Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, which governs the transfer of agricultural land to non-agriculturists.
CPI(M) Demands High-Level Probe into Alleged Violations
The chief secretary's statement came in response to a press conference held earlier in the day by the CPI(M), where party leaders called for a thorough investigation into alleged breaches of Section 118 in the Solan-based project. Former CPI(M) MLA Rakesh Singha accused the government of permitting developers to purchase the land in violation of legal provisions and urged disciplinary action against Gupta.
Additionally, other party figures, including former Shimla mayor Sanjay Chauhan, raised concerns about irregularities in a related project in Shimla, advocating for stricter enforcement of land and planning laws. Gupta maintained that all procedures were transparent and lawful, rejecting any calls for probes or actions against him.
