Nagpur: On a query raised by some Congress MLCs two Ministers attempting to furnish replies failed to satisfy the Vidhan Parishad or the Sabhapati and the matter was put on hold.
The question pertained to why Patanjali had been given 230 acres land in MIHAN, Nagpur just outside the SEZ at just 58 crores resulting in a loss of 209 crores to the government. Why this largesse to Patanjali which is currently one of India’s richest Corporates?
The question was raised by Sharad Ranpise and Sanjay Dutt both belonging to Congress.
Sanjay Dutt pointed out that this was one of the five most important scams of the state.
First Madan Yerawar , Minister of state , and a known protege of Gadkari, attempted replying but when he failed to satisfy Vinod Tawde, Education Minister took over. He said the process of tendering was followed as per rules laid down. Also, the land given to Patanjali was undeveloped and hence could not be sold at market price.
On this Ranpise asked how much the cost of development would have been, to which the Minister replied ” 40 lakhs”.
If this amount is also deducted from the 209 crores it is still a loss making deal for the government pointed out opposition MLCs. Seeing that no satisfactory reply was forthcoming from Treasury benches the Sabhapati Ram Raje Nimbalkar put the question on hold and asked Ministers to come up with a satisfactory explanation.
