New Delhi | Updated: December 24, 2021 09:20 AM IST
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The Yogi Adityanath government ordered the probe on Wednesday, the same day as The Indian Express reported how elected public representatives and relatives of state government officials had bought land parcels in Ayodhya since the November 9, 2019, Supreme Court verdict clearing construction of a temple at the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site.
SENIOR Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday said the probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government into land transactions in Ayodhya was inadequate and that the Supreme Court should investigate the “loot”.
The Yogi Adityanath government ordered the probe on Wednesday, the same day as The Indian Express reported how elected public representatives and relatives of state government officials had bought land parcels in Ayodhya since the November 9, 2019, Supreme Court verdict clearing construction of a temple at the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi site.
LIVE: Special Congress Party Briefing at the AICC HQ.
Addressing a press conference with Congress communication department head Randeep Surjewala at the AICC headquarters, Vadra said: “Uttar Pradesh said yesterday that they are ordering a probe. Who is conducting the probe? A district-level officer… Now you have the Mayor as a witness on a sale deed… Obviously, you are not expecting an inquiry to take place… A district-level officer cannot hold an inquiry against a mayor. The Ram Mandir Trust was set up on the basis of the orders of the Supreme Court. So, this investigation should be conducted through the Supreme Court.” Accusing the Trust of buying land at inflated rates, and BJP, RSS leaders and government officials of “misusing” the money collected by it, Vadra said a “loot” was on near the Ram temple. “BJP leaders, office-bearers and officials of the Yogi Adityanath government are involved in this loot… Nobody knows how much land is there or how many crores worth of scam is taking place.”
Speaking to reporters in Lucknow, BSP chief Mayawati demanded that the Supreme Court intervene in the matter. She asked the Centre to direct the state to cancel the land deals.
Mentioning a specific case, Vadra, the Congress general secretary in-charge of UP, said: “There is a clear transaction here where a piece of land which was sold in 2017 to a certain person was then sold by that person in two parts. The first part, which was 10,000 sq m, was sold directly to the Ram Mandir trust for Rs 8 crore. The second part which was 12,000 sq m, 19 minutes later — we are talking about the same piece of land — (was sold) to a certain Ravi Mohan Tewari for Rs 2 crore. So you have a piece of land, half of it goes for Rs 8 crore and the other half — slightly more than the (first) half — goes for Rs 2 crore, at the same time… Five minutes later, this Mr Ravi Mohan Tewari sells that Rs 2 crore piece of land… for Rs 18.5 crore to the Trust.” with inputs
Manoj C G currently serves as the Chief of National Political Bureau at The Indian Express. A veteran journalist with a career spanning nearly two decades, he plays a pivotal role in shaping the publication's coverage of India's political landscape.
Experience & Career: Manoj has built a robust career in political journalism, marked by a transition from wire service reporting to in-depth newspaper analysis.
The Indian Express (2008 – Present): He joined the organization in 2008 and has risen to lead the National Political Bureau, overseeing key political coverage.
Press Trust of India (PTI): Prior to his tenure at The Indian Express, Manoj worked with India’s premier news agency, PTI, honing his skills in breaking news and accurate reporting.
Expertise & Focus Areas: As a seasoned political observer, Manoj focuses on the nuances of governance and party dynamics.
National Politics: extensive reporting on the central government, parliamentary affairs, and national elections.
Political Strategy: Deep analysis of party structures, coalition politics, and the shifting ideologies within the Indian political spectrum.
Bureau Leadership: directing a team of reporters to cover the most critical developments in the nation's capital.
Authoritativeness & Trust: Manoj’s authoritativeness is grounded in his nearly 20 years of field experience and his leadership role at a legacy newspaper. His long-standing association with The Indian Express underscores a reputation for consistency, editorial integrity, and rigorous reporting standards required of a Bureau Chief.
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