Shimla : The CPIM today took on the ruling BJP in Himachal Pradesh for liberally supporting the IPL and HPCA even though the fund starved state is unable to pay state government employees arrears since the past five years .
“The government must first recover Rs 1.64 arrears from the IPL and HPCA . The amount was spent on security of the matches in May 2011 in Dharamsala ,†said Tikender Panwar , a senior CPM leader here .
“An RTI filed by an activist revealed the huge amount spent by the state government on security of these cricket matches . “
“It is shocking that despite a resource crunch the Dhumal led BJP government is showing magnanimity to the IPL matches , even though the IPL is a stinking rich organisation ,†Panwar said .
The CPM has further accused the BJP for squeezing all social security measures in the garb of resource crunch by spending this amount on IPL which by no means is a charity function .
“Why wasn’t the BCCI charged for the police cover provided for the matches and there is every reason to believe that this will be repeated as more matches are scheduled to be held here ,†Panwar said .
The party has also criticised the Himachal Pradesh university for presenting an honorary doctorate degree to the IPL chief Rajeev Shukla saying this was only done to flatter Shukla even though he did not deserve the degree .
In a 20 year career published widely. He has worked for the BBC, AFP, The Statesman, IANS and the Business Standard . Known for his hard hitting writing and occasional off-beat stories. He lives in Shimla.
