Haryana government spokesperson defends Vij's Rs. 50 lakh donation to Dera Sacha Sauda

Chandigarh (Haryana/Punjab) [India], Aug. 29 (ANI): Lambasting the opposition for ratcheting up a controversy over state Sports Minister Anil Vij's Rs. 50 lakh donation to the Dera Sacha Sauda for promoting sports, Haryana Government spokesperson Jawahar Yadav charged them with resorting to illogical reasoning. "When we were in the opposition, the issues were corruption, unemployment and uneven development, which have now evaporated. In the absence of issues, the opposition is resorting to illogical reasoning to create an issue," Yadav told ANI. Clearing the air over Vij's donation, he said, "Anil Vij attended a sports competition event organised by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim, and donated money to encourage sports, for the construction of a stadium and a sports academy. "He did not make the payment from the funds of the sports department, but from his Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Scheme (MLALADS) fund, which MLAs give for solemnising the marriage of poor people, for the construction of rest houses, roads, stadiums etc. Under MLALADS quota, all ministers give money, and Vij has given it too." He further stated that all those games that enhance your physical, mental and knowledge level could be organised. "It is not necessary that it is Olympics. There are many such games in India. Besides, every state has a culture of its own," he added. While attending the "Tiranga Rumal Chhu" programme in Sirsa, Vij said "Your (Ram Rahim) organisation is encouraging sports and athletes. Hence, in order to promote sports further, I would like to give Rs. 50 lakh, which is from my discretionary fund." "Rs. 50 lakh, which I decided to donate to the organisation, is from my discretionary fund. I am the owner of this fund. Lot of works is being done for sports and in order to promote sports further I decided to give it," he said. Stressing on the need for creating better sports infrastructure for athletes of the state, Vij said the Haryana Government is mulling to table a Sports Council Bill in the upcoming assembly session. "This session, we are planning to table a Sports Council Bill. It would be statutory body. Under the bill a Sports Council will be constituted at different levels, i.e. district and sub-divisional levels, which will focus on sports related matters," he added. (ANI)