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| Edited By: |Source: DNA |Updated: Jan 22, 2014, 03:35 PM IST
"We have been inundated with proofs which point to an attempt to set up a series of SEZs with the aim of grabbing farmers' lands. For example, the Haryana government on March 9, 2007 allowed this 30-acre land be used to set up an SEZ. This decision was overruled by the Haryana high court."
There are many such instances where the Punjab and Haryana high court struck down many such permissions for SEZ given by Haryana government.
Kejriwal released a press statement with details of land deals between DLF and Haryana government.
On February 1, 2007, DLF formed a company called SEZ Holdings Pvt Ltd. A year later, Robert Vadra became a 50% shareholder in the company floated by DLF. On page 10 of the DLF balance sheet that we have provided, please note Vadra bought 25,000 shares. But only to sell them back within a year.
"Further, DLF gave many, and not just one, interest-free unsecured loans to Vadra, which is reflected in the documents submitted with the registrar of companies," said Kejriwal.
"What is surprising is that for nearly two years, the land as well as the unsecured loans were both with Robert Vadra," added Kejriwal.
"The rate at which the Haryana government bought land was Rs20lakh per acre, but sold it to DLF for Rs5 crore an acre"
"Contrary to Supreme Court law stating that forest land cannot be given to any private party, the Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (HSIIDC) presented nearly 75 acre land to DLF."
A farmer added that in lieu of the land, the farmers were not promised any homes or facilities by DLF. To resolve the issue, the farmers have now approached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking relief.
"The Haryana government hiked the population density from nearly 200 to 625 so that DLF can use the land for commercial purposes."
"The farmers in a distress sale sold off their lands (at Rs20lakh per acre) to the six companies floated by DLF. The Haryana government was offering Rs12lakh per acre."
"On 26 August 2007, the day when the money was to be paid to the farmers, the Haryana government withdrew the Land Acquisition proceedings," said Kejriwal on collusion of the Haryana government with the DLF. "The Haryana government was acting like an agent for DLF."
About the Aralia apartment, which is used by Robert Vadra for his own use, Kejriwal said, "DLF is lying when it claimed having sold the apartment for Rs11 crore in 2008. In fact, it introduced another Rs9crore to the sale sum in the 2010-11 balance sheet, as shown by an Economic Times report." Kejriwal reiterated that DLF sold seven flats to Vadra for mere Rs89 lakh.
Demanding a white paper from the Haryana government on the various deals between DLF and Robert Vadra, Kejriwal said, "I was in the income tax department, and any case with so many revelations warrants a income tax raid."
"But if the finance minister himself stands up to say there is no room for probe, I am surprised. This was a fit case for an income tax raid," added Kejriwal.
While revealing that the Haryana government gave DLF nearly 350-acre land, meant for a hospital, on the platter, Kejriwal recalled how the Punjab and Haryana High Court had termed the deals concerning the government and DLF as having mala-fide intentions.
About the relationship between the Congress and Robert Vadra, Kejriwal asked, "If it is an issue restricted to DLF and Vadra, then why is it that all Congressmen are rising in Vadra's defence?"
"Union finance minister P Chidambaram himself stood up in the defence of Robert Vadra," added Kejriwal.
About why the anti-corruption activists have not approached the court over the corrupt deals, Kejriwal said, "We have elected the government so that it can give us a clean and corruption-free life. If the government heads cannot protect the people's rights, I demand that they resign, following which we will approach the court."
It may be recalled that many, including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, had spoken in Vadra's defence saying Kejriwal should approach the court.
Kejriwal trying to gain publicity: Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi
Reacting to the IAC press conference, Congressman Rashid Alvi rubbished the claims of Arvind Kejriwal. "We cannot say if the documents being circulated by Kejriwal are genuine." Alvi said the sole intention of Kejriwal levelling allegations against a family member of Congress president Sonia Gandi were gaining publicity. "Has Kejriwal sent the documents he is showing around in the press conference say to a court, or to the government or the Congress party. All I want to say is Kejriwal should approach the legal agencies for a probe."
About Kejriwal's demand of a whitepaper on the Vadra-DLF deals relating to SEZ lands, Alvi said, "Why does Kejriwal not approach the right authority, like the Haryana government for the whitepaper?"
Suggesting that Kejriwal should approach a proper probe agency rather than levelling allegations, Alvi condemned Kejriwal's press conference.
BJP demands special investigations
At a press conference, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman demanded a special investigations into Kejriwal's allegations. However, not expecting much, Sitharaman said, "As in the case of 2G and other scams that have surfaced during the Congress-led UPA rule, we do not expect the Congress to go ahead with a probe, as is necessary. The Congress should stop running from probes into these numerous charges of corruption and at least institute an inquiry into the DLF-Vadra deals in Haryana.
Corporate affairs minister defends Vadra
Corporate Affairs Minister M Veerappa Moily rose to the defence of Vadra, saying, "From our records, we do not find any irregularities."
Courtesy:IANS
BJP flays 'mango man' remark
BJP took strong exception to the use of the term 'mango man' for the common man by Robert Vadra, a saying that they wondered how he could call India a 'banana republic' when Congress is ruling the country.
"What Robert Vadra has said is absolutely atrocious. It shows the mind set of Congress party..... Earlier, Shashi Tharoor (then minister of state for external affairs) had used the term cattle class for the common man. Now, Vadra has called them mango people," BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar said.
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Haryana govt clarifies
Haryana governement refuted all allegations by Kejriwal, saying all permissions given to DLF were under the law and that no land had been released in the past 10 years.
"We had asked a question: What are the favours that the Haryana government bestowed on DLF. We are no investigation agency, but the 'mango people' of India have come forward to give proof of the deals between Robert Vadra and DLF," said Arvind Kejriwal.
By 'mango' people, Kejriwal was referring to Vadra's facebook statement. What do you call mango people in a banana republic. Aam aadmi?, Vadra had posted minutes before closing down his facebook account.