The controversial sale of Raj Mahal Palace in Mandi was today taken up in the state Assembly, with Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal agreeing to get a through inquiry held into the sale deal.

The issue raised by Rikhi Ram Kaundal, a senior BJP MLA, drew support from his party MLA and BJP’s state president Jai Ram Thakur, who particularly wanted to know the name of the

MLA involved in the purchase deal.

The inquiry, two MLAs insisted, had become very important as the issue relates to “dignity of the House”, as one of its members is repeatedly figured in the purchase deal. Even the sale deed registered as Mandi has been undervalued and there had been a huge loss to the state exchequer, they alleged.

BJP MLA from Mandi, Mohinder Singh, however, cautioned the government against any undue harassment to the MLA whose name was been dragged into the controversy. “How can you single out a MLA, who like an ordinary citizen, invested money into property,” he said.

Dhumal ruled out a ban on GPA in the state, but was of the view that some checks are required in land purchase cases to avoid benami transactions.