Chandigarh Congress Condemns BJP’s Anti-Freehold Stand on Leasehold Properties
The Voice of Chandigarh :
The statement issued by the Chandigarh Congress expresses deep dissatisfaction with the BJP-led Union Government’s stance on the conversion of leasehold properties to freehold in Chandigarh. Here’s a breakdown of the key points and sentiments conveyed:
- BJP’s Rejection: The BJP-led Union Government has rejected the proposal from the Chandigarh Administration to convert leasehold properties to freehold. This rejection was formalized with an affidavit filed in the Supreme Court.
- Historical Context: The Congress party, according to H.S. Lucky, President of Chandigarh Pradesh Congress, highlights that it was during the Congress party’s government in the center in 1996 when the provision for converting leasehold properties to freehold was first introduced for Chandigarh. This move was aimed at providing relief to leasehold property owners.
- Obstacles and Changes: The statement alleges that since 2014, the BJP has obstructed the process of conversion. Initially, it made the conversion process cumbersome and increased conversion charges significantly. Now, the BJP has taken a direct stand against the conversion of leasehold properties to freehold, which is deemed as anti-people and a betrayal of the city’s residents.
- Political Allegiance: The Congress party expected the BJP to support the long-standing demand of leasehold property owners for conversion to freehold status. The failure to do so is seen as a breach of trust by the BJP towards the people of Chandigarh.
- Public Reaction: H.S. Lucky concludes by stating that the people of Chandigarh will not forgive the BJP for opposing the conversion of leasehold properties into freehold, which was a measure aimed at providing relief and ownership rights to property owners.
In essence, the statement portrays a political and ideological conflict between the Congress and BJP regarding property rights and governance in Chandigarh, with the Congress strongly advocating for the rights of leasehold property owners and criticizing the BJP for obstructing this process.
