BJP bought land in 18 Odisha districts before demonetization: Congress

New Delhi/ Bhubaneswar: In a scathing allegation, the Congress has accused BJP of buying lands in 18 districts of Odisha ahead of the demonetization move.

In a press meet in New Delhi, All India Congress Committee’s chief spokesperson, Randeep Surjewala alleged that BJP members have bought land at significantly lower than market prices, adding that the demonetisation decision is the "biggest scam" in the country so far.

While revealing that BJP has bought properties in 18 districts of Odisha on the lines of those purchased from in Bihar, Surjewala dared Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to make public all financial and land dealings of BJP and RSS in the last six months.

Citing a reference, Surjewala pointed out that former Rajya Sabha member of BJP, Surendra Lath bought 2 acre land in Kendrapara on August 30, 2016 at a price of Rs 45 lakh. It is alleged that the price paid for the land was way below its market rate. Similarly, BJP has bought land in Jagatsinghpur on September 19, Berhampur and Jharsuguda in October. The Congress also demanded that all financial and land dealings of BJP should be made public.

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“In the Kendrapara town, the land has been bought at Rs 45 lakh while the actual market price is Rs 1.5 crores. In the guise of setting up a district office, the party has channelled the funds just before the demonetization move. Whose money is it and what is its source?” asked president of Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) chief Prasad Harichandan.

Reacting to these allegations BJD has sought a clarification from BJP National President, Amit Shah.

“If there is any truth to the allegations, then Amit Shah should definitely provide answers,” said BJD spokesperson, Pratap Deb.

“While responding to these allegations BJP’s Brugu Bauxipatra said “Whatever BJP is doing, it is doing in front of the eyes of the public. All these land dealing are being done through the State government’s land registration mechanism. BJP has already bought land for party offices in 18-19 districts out of 30 and in a few days time construction will start.”

Observers believe that such allegations could spell trouble for Odisha BJP during the winter session of the Odisha Assembly will begin from tomorrow.