Hindustan Times (Chandigarh)

Haryana speaker cites law; no infringeme­nt: Rana KP

- HT Correspond­ents

CHANDIGARH: Upping the ante over ‘denial’ of rightful share of space to the state by Punjab in the common assembly building in Chandigarh, Haryana speaker Gian Chand Gupta on Thursday said that legal recourse is an option.

“All options, including a legal recourse, are on table to get Haryana its rightful share of space in the common Vidhan Sabha building. The views of the Haryana assembly members will be taken into account before going to a court,” Gupta said, a day after he raked up the issue. Haryana is claiming 20 rooms in the building, which are currently in possession of Punjab.

However, Punjab assembly speaker Rana KP Singh said the division of the shared Vidhan

Sabha building is fair in 60:40 ratio in accordance with an agreement in 1966. The Haryana speaker can approach the court, governor or home ministry as it is his right, “but nobody is going to change the basic principle of 60:40 ratio and both states have the possession accordingl­y”, he said.

“I have all the love and regard for Gupta ji. Haryana is our younger brother. But I fail to understand what made Gupta ji raise this issue after a gap of 54 years. Had there been something wrong, there is no question why his predecesso­rs wouldn’t have raised a voice against,” he said.

Gupta also said that Haryana will also approach the Union home ministry, seeking its interventi­on into the matter.

In addition to reaching out to his Punjab counterpar­t Rana KP Singh on the issue, Gupta had also written to Punjab governorcu­m-ut administra­tor VPS Badnore in June this year. “Chandigarh administra­tion is responsibl­e for transferri­ng of the property, and the shares were implemente­d under its aegis,” Gupta said. Earlier in March 2019, Haryana Vidhan Sabha secretaria­t had also written to the UT chief engineer on the issue, but, it didn’t get any response.

As per the letter written by Gupta, the Vidhan Sabha building with an area of 66,430 sq ft was divided into three parts on October 17, 1966 — Punjab Vidhan Sabha secretaria­t was allocated 30,890 sq ft, Punjab Vidhan Parishad Secretaria­t 10,910 sq ft and 24,630 sq ft was Haryana Vidhan Sabha secretaria­t’s share. “20 rooms out of Haryana’s share are still with Punjab. Two rooms in the basement (Room numbers 23 and 26), four rooms on the ground floor (27 to 30) and 14 rooms on the first floor (room numbers 99 to 113) are still with Punjab,” Gupta’s letter says.

“Punjab has not even put these rooms to any rightful purpose. These are being used only for dumping old furniture,” said Gupta.

UT adviser Manoj Parida said, “We will look into the matter. To correct a historical mistake, if any, after so many years is difficult.”

All options, including legal recourse, are on table to get the rightful share of space in the common Vidhan Sabha building. Views of Haryana assembly members will be taken into account before going to court. GIAN CHAND GUPTA, Haryana speaker

Haryana can approach a court, governor or Union home ministry as it is its right, but nobody is going to change the basic principle of 60:40 ratio and both states have the possession in the building accordingl­y. RANA KP SINGH, Punjab speaker

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