Under attack

Bhubaneswar, April 15: Opposition Congress and the BJP today demanded resignation of chief minister Naveen Patnaik following allegations of unfair and arbitrary distribution of land to influential people, a move that was detected by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).

Both the parties demanded that the chief minister sack revenue minister Surjya Naryan Patro as allegations of showing favouritism to his son Biplab Patra, surfaced. The minister’s son was allotted in a prime locality to set up a hotel. However, panchayati raj minister Kalpataru Das said the opposition was indulging in politics on the issue.

The CAG has criticised the way the land was given to the revenue minister’s son Biplab to set up a hotel in a prime locality in the city. Records in the general administration department show that Biplab was allotted the piece of land in violation of the government’s well-stated policy regarding the pattern of land.

The proposed hotel, Ambassador International, was allotted 1.01 acres at Unit-VIII following the government recommendation. The CAG report also pointed out that the land pattern was changed from “residential” to “commercial”.

“The entire process of allotment was completed within 56 days and the applicant was allowed to pay premium at institutional rate (Rs 50 lakh) per acre against applicable commercial rate (Rs 75 lakh per acre),” said the CAG in its report.

Senior BJP leader Manmohan Samal said: “Land in the city has been distributed by the general administration department, which is headed by the chief minister. During the past 13 years, he has failed to monitor the department’s activities. He should step down.”

Demanding a white paper on land distribution in the city since 1980, Samal said: “People have the right to know who all got land during this period. The government should also come out with details of land given to various NGOs and other institutions.”

Congress MLA Santosh Singh Saluja said: “The government should immediately publish a white paper on land distribution in the city.”

In another development, the government has cancelled the lease against which Biplab approached Orissa High Court. Patro said: “I have no role in allotment of land and subsequent cancellation of lease.”

Patro said: “Biplab has already moved the high court and obtained a stay order. He will do whatever he finds suitable. I have nothing to do in this matter.”