The BJP and Congress clashed in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday over the issue of shop allotments by the Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee (APMC). The opposition BJP accused the government of corruption, while the Congress hit back by pointing to land deals during the BJP regime.
Raising the matter during Question Hour, Naina Devi MLA Randhir Sharma alleged irregularities in the allotment of 70 shops and CA stores at three marketing yards in Prala, Shilaru, and Totu. He said the shops were given out at very low rents in violation of the 2021 policy. Sharma claimed that 133 applications were received, but only those selected in advance were considered, while others were rejected. He said the inquiry was just a formality and the allotments were not canceled.
"The inquiry was a mere eyewash, and the matter was hushed up, and allotments were not canceled. Applications of only those persons who were to be given shops were kept, while others were rejected. A total of 133 applications for 70 shops had been received," said Sharma.
In response, Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar said applications were invited for 34 shops in Prala, 28 in Shilaru, and eight in Totu, and allotments were made as per the rules. "After a detailed inquiry, no irregularities have been found in the allotment, and making vague allegations without proof and specific instances is being done by the opposition merely to make headlines," he added.
Unhappy with the reply, BJP members raised slogans and staged a walkout from the House. The Agriculture Minister explained that 25 per cent of shops were allotted to farmers, 50 per cent to arthiyas, and the rest to OBC, SC, and ST applicants. However, Chopal MLA Balbir Verma claimed that shops which were rented for Rs 50,000–60,000 10 years ago were now being given for just Rs 5,000–6,000. He demanded a vigilance inquiry, saying genuine applicants had been ignored.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan condemned the BJP’s walkout. He said the shops were allotted above the base price of Rs 4,500 and eligibility criteria had been followed. “If somebody does not qualify the eligibility criteria, how can shops be given? You cannot make vague allegations of irregularities, so you must provide specific instances,” he told the opposition.
Chauhan also hit back, saying that during the BJP government’s tenure, HPMC land in Chennai was sold at throwaway prices and a Rs 3 crore cardboard factory in Gumma was sold for only Rs 90 lakh.
Also Read: Corruption row stalls Himachal Assembly, House adjourned
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