Top News
Raje’s cutouts cost over Rs 20 lakh, says BJP affidavit
By Archana Sharma
Jaipur, Aug 22 (IANS) In its affidavit submitted in the Rajasthan High Court, which has sought from the ruling BJP the details of expenditure for the first phase of the ongoing Gaurav Yatra of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, the party has said it spent more than Rs 20 lakh on Raje’s cutouts.
In contrast, party chief Amit Shah’s cut-outs cost just Rs 30,000, the affidavit said.
The overall expenses for the first phase of the yatra listed in the affidavit, a copy of which is with the IANS, amount to around Rs 1.8 crore.
The total cost of tent houses, including various services amounted to Rs 41.30 lakh. The CM’s ‘rath’-branding came for over Rs 1.75 lakh. The cost for her big cut-outs is 13.38 lakh and for smaller ones, Rs 5.78 lakh.
The pen drive of songs cost Rs 16,600 while CD of songs amounts to Rs 7920. The car rentals amount to Rs 2.34 lakh.
Raje is on a statewide yatra which was kicked off by BJP chief Amit Shah on August 4. The first phase of the yatra, an 886km stretch, has covered the Udaipur zone (Udaipur rural, Dungarpur, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh and Banswara).
State Congress vice president Archana Sharma alleged that the estimates seemed on the lower side. “If they show a higher amount, they will be questioned about the source of income,” she said.
On BJP President Amit Shah’s cut-outs, which cost just Rs 30,000, state BJP chief Madanlal Saini said was unaware about the expenditure. The party’s publicity head, who is a former BJP chief Ashok Parnami, did not respond to the IANS query.
The affidavit also mentions that the accounts will be settled after the yatra is over.
A PIL was filed by Vibhuti Bhushan Sharma on Aug 10 questioning the use of government machinery in the Rajasthan Gaurav Yatra being taken out under the leadership of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia.
The court asked BJP to come out with an affidavit on expenses following which the party on Tuesday presented an affidavit in the High Court with details of expenditure made during the yatra.
The court has fixed Aug 25 as the next date of hearing.
–IANS
arc/prs
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.