Sunday, 29 SEPTEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Bharatiya Janata Party has welcomed chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s announcement about bringing a strict land law in the near future. Stating that this is because of the party’s commitment to maintaining the basic character and demography of Uttarakhand, BJP State president Mahendra Bhatt said that the Congress should clarify its position on land laws and demographic change. The BJP government has taken various historic decisions in the interests of the State and this government will also resolve the issues of land laws and domicile in accordance with public sentiments.Referring to the opposition, he said that intent of the Congress regarding land law has also been questionable. The Congress used to protest on the roads earlier and now their leaders are coming up with new arguments, he said. Bhatt said, “Since before the formation of the State, the BJP has been committed to maintaining the regional identity and original character of Uttarakhand. Serious efforts were made for this whenever our governments were in office. During the terms of the Congress governments, cases of illegal deals by the land mafia and conspiracy to alter the demography came to light. This is the reason why the public is in favour of making the existing land law stricter in the State. Considering the limited land resources in the State, the BJP considers it vital to ensure its better management and protection according to public sentiments. This is why our government got a report prepared by a high level committee on this subject. On the CM’s direction, discussions are underway on the legal aspects of points in the report. At the same time, those who generate employment in tourism, education, industry, commerce and other sectors in Uttarakhand need not worry. However, the land law will impact the land mafia and those purchasing land with the wrong intent,” he said.
Referring to allegations levelled by the Congress, Bhatt said the land law made during the term of the Congress government was amended in 2007 and other amendments were also made in it. However, instead of questioning the utility of laws made in the past, the need today is for a strict land law. “At the same time, the reality of demographic change should not be ignored and the CM is serious on this issue. Instead of acknowledging the facts or supporting it, the Congress is raising questions on this issue. The Congress should clarify its position on land laws and demographic changes. They were demonstrating on the roads for land laws till yesterday and today they are citing a different logic instead of appreciating the government’s initiative,” the BJP State president said.
