Cong, BJP spar over illegal mining, HPTDC hotel losses

The second day of the Himachal assembly's winter session began with the continued discussion on the "corruption" during Congress's two-year tenure under Rule 67, with the legislators of both the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP levelling allegations on each other.

- Dar Ovais

DHARAMSHALA:

The BJP legislators on the first day of the session—Wednesday—moved a motion of adjournment and demanded discussion on the matter.

From BJP, MLA Bikram Singh initiated the discussion and said, "The ruling Congress party has been levelling various allegations against us but why action was not taken in the last two years. There might be two reasons for this, either you are fulfilling the responsibilities of being a friend, or you do not have a proof to take any action."

He also said that why the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) hotels are in losses. We haven't heard something similar about other hotels in Himachal.

"In the affidavit, submitted in the high court, you have mentioned that you want to give five hotels on lease," he alleged.

He also alleged that HPTDC submitted two contradicting affidavits in the court about the loss making hotels. Singh also alleged irregularities in appointments in various departments and said that the state government has been giving step-motherly treatment to the industry sector.

BJP MLA Sudhir Sharma raised the issue of illegal mining and said "Chitta mafia" is working in the state unabated.