Hema Malini Acquires Rs 70 Crore Property for Mere Rs 1.75 Lakh
Controversy Erupts as Bollywood Actress and BJP MP Acquires Rs 70 Crore Property for Mere Rs 1.75 Lakh, Prompting Calls for Transparency in Government Land Allotments.
Mumbai: The allocation of land to BJP MP and actress Hema Malini for the construction of a dance academy in Mumbai’s upscale Oshiwara area has sparked significant controversy and public scrutiny. According to documents obtained through an RTI query by activist Anil Galgali, the government allotted a prime plot measuring 2,000 square meters to the Bollywood actress and BJP Lok Sabha MP, according to the report shared by The Indian Express.
What’s particularly striking is the disparity between the market value of the land, estimated at a staggering Rs 70 crore, and the nominal fee of just Rs 1.75 lakh paid by Hema Malini. This revelation has led to widespread outrage and accusations of preferential treatment and cronyism within the government.
The initial allocation rate of Rs 35 per square meter, which equated to a mere Rs 70,000 for the entire plot, further exacerbated public outcry. However, following the controversy, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordered a revision of the policy governing land allotments to private trusts and artists.
Despite the revision, the revised rate of Rs 87.50 per square meter remains significantly below the market value, raising concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process. Additionally, the revelation that Hema Malini had paid an advance of Rs 10 lakh back in 1997, further complicates the situation and highlights discrepancies in the handling of such transactions.
The controversy surrounding Hema Malini’s land allocation is not an isolated incident. In August 2022, Bank of Baroda (BOB) put BJP MP and actor Sunny Deol’s Mumbai property on e-auction for failing to pay back a loan of about Rs 56 crore and interest. However, within 24 hours, BOB withdrew the auction notice, citing technical reasons. Similarly, on 2nd September 2023, Yes Bank’s Asset Reconstruction Company, named “JC Flowers”, waived off Rs 5,000 crore worth of loans to BJP Rajya Sabha Member and India’s media mogul Subhash Chandra Goenka, leaving him entitled to pay just Rs 1,500 crore of the borrowed Rs 6,500 crore loan.
It’s evident that certain individuals, particularly those aligned with the ruling party, seem to enjoy special treatment and leniency when it comes to financial matters, while the common taxpayer is left to bear the burden of funding such discrepancies. This disparity highlights a fundamental injustice in the system, where those in power appear to prioritize their interests over the welfare of the nation.
Ultimately, such incidents erode public trust in the government and perpetuate a sense of disillusionment among ordinary citizens who work hard and contribute their taxes dutifully. Authorities must address these issues promptly and ensure that public resources are utilized responsibly and equitably for the benefit of all citizens, rather than being exploited for the gain of a select few.
Overall, the case of Hema Malini’s land allocation underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight in government dealings to ensure that public resources are allocated fairly and transparently for the benefit of all citizens.
