ABP News investigated the allotment of a Panchkula plot with address C-17, Sector 6. The location of the plot is so posh that not even the rich can afford a room here. However, such a piece of land was handed over to AJL at throw-away prices to operate newspaper Nav Jeevan. Interestingly, Nav Jeevan had been defunct in Haryana when the land was allotted in 2005. The land is still in the possession of AJL and a building has been erected on the plot. But the newspaper is still not printed in the building.
The plot in question was first allotted to AJL in 1982 by Congress’ Bhajan Lal government. The allotment was cancelled in 1992 as it was not utilized. When the Congress again came to power in the state in 2005, CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda allotted the plot again to AJL. The newspaper Nav Jeevan had been defunct then and is still not functioning. The plot was sold to AJL at the rates of 1982.
When Bhupinder Singh Hooda government sought advice of Haryana Development Administration and Law department, both wrote back saying the allotment would be against guidelines. But the government still gave away the plot.
Since 2005, Nav Jeevan has been completely disbanded. In 2012, construction of a building started on the plot. Now a swanky building stands on the plot. However, nowhere on the building it is written that the building belonged to AJL. No business activities takes place in the place except for some meetings. Locals call the building Congress Bhawan. Interestingly, despite no business activity, the electricity bill sometimes runs in lakh.
When we talked to Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala, he said Nav Jeevan would be published in the building soon. He said that plots were not only awarded to AJL but all the major newspapers and television channels. He said the Congress had not violated any law or policy.
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