Author: Amita Shah
Publications; Economic Times
Date: June 10, 2008
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/Meet_the_bourgeois_disciples_of_Marx/articleshow/3115426.cms
Introduction: CPM Buys Land In Delhi Worth
Rs 50 Crore For Rs 60 Lakh
The CPM, which is rated the richest organisation
after the Church in Kerala, is doing well for itself in Delhi. Its clout at
the Centre appears to have come in handy for getting four prime plots in the
Capital.
It already has two prime properties in Delhi
- one in the Gole Market area and the other on Rouse Avenue. While the revolutionary
activities around the country are being dictated from the AKG Bhawan in Gole
Market, the BT Ranadive Bhawan houses the party's trade union wing Citu's
central office. The new plots that the CPM has acquired are on the Deendayal
Upadhyaya Marg, close to Rouse Avenue.
The new plots, spread over 2,850 sqm have
been allotted to the CPM for Rs 60 lakh, according to sources. The market
value of these plots is around the range of Rs 45-50 crore.
CPM leaders here said that no rules were violated
while giving land to the party. According to government rules, a party which
has 50-100 MPs in both Houses of Parliament is entitled to one acre (around
4,000 sqm) of government land in the city at concessional rates. The CPM has
around 60 MPs.
The scheme of land for political parties was
conceived for providing accommodation for parties functioning from government
bungalows in Lutyens Delhi. While parties like Congress, NCP and RJD need
new buildings, the CPM and the CPI already have their own multi-storied offices.
Amassing real estate has been a pastime for
the CPM. In states like Kerala, even the party's local committees have huge
assets. Conservative estimates put the worth of CPM real estate in Kerala
alone at Rs 4,000 crore.
The CPM has been in the news for encroaching
government land in states like Kerala. The Congress recently charged the CPM
with encroaching around half an acre near its state committee office belonging
to the Kerala University. The party has also been using dubious means to collect
funds for the party. Although it claims that its real estate are acquired
with contributions from the cadre, the extent of its wealth shows its connections
outside the 'working class'.
The CPM's grand land acquisition in Delhi
clearly indicates a cosy arrangement between the Congress and the Left. The
Left, which does not spare any opportunity to amplify its differences with
the Congress and the government, has been quite successful in having its way
in important postings. Rivals of the CPM have been alleging that the party
is benefiting hugely from the patronage dispensation system of the Centre.
- amita.shah@timesgroup.com
