BJP calls for defence assets audit

NEW DELHI: The Bharatiya Janata Party has demanded a complete audit of defence assets saying they were being “frittered away,” particularly in Maharashtra. Reacting to reports of one acre of defence land in Khandivli being taken away without the permission of authorities, the party said the state was adopting a ‘cavalier’ attitude in such cases.

“There seems to be a nexus between private builders, politicians, bureaucrats and some Army officials too. We are not undermining the contribution of the forces towards the country, but if there are some bad elements who have a connivance with the political elements resulting in Army land being given away, it poses a very serious question as to what protection the defence has for its own land and other assets,” BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman told reporters here.

She alleged that there was consistent attempt at releasing pieces of land which were in the occupation of or owned by defence authorities.

“Coming from Maharashtra again, its very worrying and it has very serious security implications,” she said. BJP wants the government to immediately conduct a comprehensive audit of all defence assets, preparation of a comprehensive inventory list and a defence ministry inquiry into the matter.

“It should be ensured that the assets are not falling into the hands of personal financial gain-seeking elements,” Sitharaman said.

Referring to the Adarsh Housing scandal, she said BJP was of the view that such things were repeatedly happening in Congress-ruled Maharashtra.