By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 23 Dec: Breaking his silence a full three days after Income Tax/ Enforcement Directorate raids on the properties of Congress leader Rajiv Jain, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat took to social media to issue a statement in Jain’s defence. The raids, conducted three days ago, had targeted Rajiv Jain’s residence and office, resulting in the recovery of cash, jewellery, and important documents stated to be worth several crore rupees.
It may be recalled that Rajiv Jain had been an advisor to Harish Rawat during his tenure as Chief Minister. Jain, apart from engaging in his ancestral business of making foam mattresses, had also ventured into real estate and has since built a big real estate business.
In his statement released on social media today, former Chief Minster Harish Rawat claimed that the raids conducted on Jain’s establishments and those of his associates, were deliberately publicised in a manner suggesting he had built these establishments during his (Harish Rawat’s) rule as Chief Minister of Uttarakhand by misusing political influence.
Rawat asserted that Rajiv Jain has been active in the Congress for many years, even before Rawat entered Dehradun politics. Rawat added that during his tenure as Chief Minister, he had appointed Rajiv Jain as his advisor due to his extensive knowledge of small businesses and enterprises.
Rawat emphasised that Jain did not purchase huge properties or establish any major business ventures during his tenure as Chief Minister and claimed that any acquisitions Jain may have made were likely during the BJP regime. The former CM further remarked, that, since 2017, Rajiv Jain has distanced himself from him (Rawat) and avoids being associated with him publicly. However, he did not join those who criticised him (Rawat) out of fear of the current government, which could be the reason why he is now under scrutiny.
Rawat also defended Jain’s right to conduct business, stating that doing business is not a crime. Jain’s family has been involved in business for generations, and it is natural for his future generations also to continue doing the business. However, Rawat also stated he is not objecting to any investigation in respect of Rajiv Jain’s businesses and added that he was confident that the accounts and details of Jain’s business would be scrutinised as part of the process. Rawat concluded his statement by asserting that he has nothing further to say on the matter.
