Cong yet to submit proof of ownership

LUCKNOW: The ownership of Congress state headquarters building, at Mall Avenue here, will be decided on October 4. The party is still to submit documents proving its ownership of the building to the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC).

The matter unfolded around two months ago when city businessman Manish Agarwal claimed the ownership of the building, saying it was bought by his grandfather at an auction in 1961. Agarwal also submitted the sale deed and tax assessment for years 1970 and 1986, establishing that the property was registered in the name of Ram Swaroop Agarwal and Padmavati Agarwal. He also furnished supporting legal documents that were verified by the municipal authorities and found to be genuine.

Following that a notice was issued to the Congress headquarters to furnish papers that proved the party’s ownership of the building. The hearing of the case was scheduled for September 25, but was postponed to October 4 on request of the party office bearers. Zonal officer (LMC zone 1) Ashok Singh, who is supposed to hear the case, said the Congress party has not been able to give any documentary proof.

Meanwhile, senior Congress corporator Girish Mishra alleged harassment by LMC. “The municipal corporation in its own letter and notice had claimed that the property was registered in the name of Mohsina Kidwai, then why this confusion? It’s just to harass Congress party workers,” he said.

However, Singh rubbished the charge. “No one can even think of harassing anyone from a party that is over a hundred years old. The LMC has given them enough time to furnish the documents. We are government servants and have to follow rules. All papers that the Congress asked for have been provided to them, and the hearing date was postponed on their request,” said the zonal officer (zone 1). Meanwhile, municipal commissioner Udairaj Singh refused to make any comment on the issue. “I have trust in the officials handling it,” he said.

Legal expert advocate Prashant Kumar said, “If the Congress fails to present the papers, it will be in danger of losing its ownership. The matter will then be referred to the court where the same process will be adopted.”