Will fight corruption, revival of service tribunal on cards: HP Congress chief

Minutes after being invited by Governor Urmila Singh to form the government, Himachal Chief Minister designate Virbhadra Singh said on Sunday that his "biggest war was against corruption perpetuated by the BJP government".

Virbhadra also spoke about the revival of the State Administrative Tribunal — scrapped by the BJP — inquiry into all "illegal" land deals named in the Congress 'chargesheet' against the outgoing government, reopening of primary schools and offering a citizen-friendly regime.

Asked about the Congress' promise to provide three additional LGP cylinders, Virbhadra said: "The Centre has already decided to raise the number of subsidised LPG cylinders from six to nine. Thus, one promised made in the manifesto has been met."

"Fighting corruption and restoring the confidence of the people in the government will be top on my agenda. I will not fabricate cases against political opponents as the BJP did, instead provide good governance... But there will be a decisive war against corruption. Special investigation teams will be set up to investigate major cases, including illegal land deals," he added.

"Heads will roll in the Bemloe Builders' apartment case and sale of Bantony castle. I have the details of those who actually benefitted from the Bemloe project and those who had sold Bantony. There was one deputy commissioner, who sanctioned Rs 37 lakh for construction of a road to provide connectivity to the apartment project. Relatives of leaders are behind the project," he said.

On "illegal" land deals, Virbhadra said: "I don't believe in setting up a commission. These take a lot of time and then, the reports are never implemented. Violations made by the BJP government have been listed in the Congress chargesheet. The government will probe how thousands of acres was sold to outsiders."

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