CLU scam-stung candidates lose

CHANDIGARH: Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda's logic that those allegedly caught on camera in change of land use (CLU) scam were innocent till proven guilty by court of law was rejected by voters in the state. The Congress had fielded all the six accused, who lost badly not even reaching the second position on any of the seats.

Controversy over the scam was first raked up in September last year when INLD had aired footage of Haryana's health minister Narender Singh, chief parliamentary secretaries Vinod Bhayana, Ram Kishan Fauji, and MLAs Naresh Selwal, Jarnail Singh and Ram Niwas Ghorella, allegedly negotiating for CLU permission. Even as the Lokayukta took note of the complaint and started investigation into the matter, the Congress gave them tickets from their respective seats.

On Sunday, INLD reaped the gains of having raised the issue as it captured three of the six seats. BJP got two and HJC one.

Haryana health minister Rao Narender Singh fought from Narnaul and came third with Om Prakash of BJP emerging as the winner. CPS Vinod Bhayana contested on Congress ticket from Hansi but could manage only fourth position even as Renuka Bishnoi of HJC wrested the seat.

Similarly, CPS Ram Kishan Fauji from Bawani Khera (SC), MLAs Naresh Selwal from Uklana (SC), MLA Jarnail Singh from Ratia SC, and Ram Niwas Ghorella from Barwala also fared poorly.

Despite opposition from Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee president Ashok Tanwar and other leaders, Hooda had ensured these ministers and MLAs were given party tickets.

Sources said an upset Tanwar had walked out of the screening committee meeting after a large number of his supporters were not given tickets.