Former chief minister and senior BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal has accused the Congress led state government of “misusing” Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.

In a press statement, leader of opposition accused Congress for putting Himachal Pradesh on sale. He cited an example of recently leased out land of a temple trust in Dharamshala to an individual from Punjab.

Dhumal claimed that Congress led state government has given 2,398 permission under Section 118 for 18,500 bighas, whereas his Govt had given permissions for 1,649 cases amounting to 14,500 bighas of land.

Congress, while in opposition had accused Dhumal led then Govt for putting state on sale and also blamed them for building relationship with Punjab on the expense of precious state land. Congress also made it a poll issue in 2012 Assembly election and even succeeded to corner BJP.