Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Sep: The BJP has sharply responded to Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya’s remarks over 7,000 bighas of government land. BJP MLA and state party spokesperson Vinod Chamoli today accused Congress of presiding over the real loot of land during its tenure. Chamoli said that Congress should first look at its own record before questioning the present government. The BJP MLA claimed that the party which once opposed the creation of Uttarakhand is now unsettled by the pace of development under the Dhami government and is resorting to baseless allegations.
Chamoli alleged that during Congress rule, prime lands meant for industries and public projects were handed over to the builders at throwaway prices. He cited the example of Dehradun’s IT Park land, which was sold cheaply to the private builders and had made land use changes in City Park that caused heavy revenue losses. He also referred to land allotments made through SIDCUL in 2006 to Supertech and Planet Infra, and the 2013 allocation to GTM Builders, which invited CAG objections. He said such instances expose Congress’s history of favouring close associates and misusing public assets.
Chamoli asserted that on the other hand, unlike Congress, the Dhami government has adopted a transparent policy where land ownership remains with the state. Chamoli explained that land is not being sold but leased under clear rules and environmental standards to attract investment. He argued that leaving land unused for years benefits neither employment generation nor the local economy. Through the Uttarakhand Integrated Industrial Development Board, unused government land is being utilised for tourism, wellness, education, health and hospitality projects, creating new opportunities for youth and expanding markets for local products.
Chamoli questioned whether Congress considers its past allotments to the industries and housing projects as development, and if so, why it objects to the current government’s lease model aimed at generating employment while retaining state ownership. He said Congress is unable to digest the progress being made and is attempting to mislead the public with false claims. He added that the people of Uttarakhand are fully aware of Congress’s anti-development stance and will not accept its negative agenda.
The BJP spokesman also maintained that the Dhami government’s approach ensures both economic growth and protection of state resources, while Congress’s record is marked by land distribution and protection of vested interests. Chamoli reiterated that the government’s priority is to convert unused land into a source of livelihood and development, and accused Congress of trying to obstruct this process for political gain.
