BJP launches scathing attack on RCA

Alleging financial irregularities in RCA, the convener of the BJP Rajasthan unit's sports cell, Brij Kishore Upadhyaya has demanded formation of an adhoc body to manage the daily affairs of the state cricket association.

Upadhyaya alleged that Union minister CP Joshi, who is President of the Rajasthan Cricket Association (RCA) was also involved in corruption.

"If you compare the figures of TA/ DA granted to officials this year and the previous year you will come to know about the financial loot going on in RCA. This year the audit report shows that Rs 1.5 crores more have been spent under this head," he claimed.

Upadhyaya said rules were flouted for payments to various officials.

"The Sports Act Rule 14 states that no benefit can be drawn while as Pradeep Nagar, who was appointed Manager of the state teams, has drawn Rs 50,000 between 8-13 November 2012 and Rs 15,000 as TA/DA. Again from 15-18 November 2012 he drew Rs 18,000," Upadhayaya alleged.

"It is also strange that Pradeep Nagar has been transferred to Didwana from Dausa but despite the orders from Chief Secretary he has not joined his duties. Likewise, the officiating secretary K K Sharma is a suspended Junior Engineer and his headquarter is at as Hanumangarh but he shows his presence at RCA also. But the government has turned a blind eye to these major irregularities," he alleged.

Upadhyaya claimed that RCA President was involved in bungling of Rs 2.30 crores.

"Joshi gave a contract to a company 'Saksham' worth Rs 2.30 crores for maintenance, preparation of the ground etc. but the RCA too paid for the same things under this head.

"Apart from this RCA paid Rs 1.99 crores for land for its new proposed stadium but has still not taken the possession of the land. Strangely an architect firm viz. Mehta Associate was paid Rs 1.07 crores, and the TDS and Service tax amounting to Rs 10,00,000 should have been borne by the firm but was paid by RCA," Upadhyaya claimed.

"It is crystal clear that the government is granting undue favour to RCA. It has entered into an MOU with RCA despite warnings by all other major sports bodies. We demand an immediate action and form an ad hoc body to stop this mess," Upadhyaya demanded.