Himachal Pradesh Sports, Culture & Environment Association (HPSCEA) ridiculed the statement of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA), in which they have accused HPSCEA for misusing of funds in Mnadi by-poll.
Yashwant Chhajta, Spokesman, HPSCEA said that the statement of HPCA is a bundle of lies. Chhajta said that as the activities of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association are under scanner and are being probed by Vigilance Department therefore the statement issued by HPCA was to divert the attention of people from the issue. This statement is not only politically motivated but is highly irresponsible and ludicrous.
Chhajta apprised that the Maharaja Padam Singh Memorial Tournament is being organized at Rohroo for the last 20 years and from last three years HPSCEA is organising the tournament. He said that the accounts of HPSCEA are being regularly audited by Chartered Accountants and all finances received through donations were being maintained in records. He added that the association also brings out a souvenir every year on the eve of this Cricket Tournament and most of the payments are received by cheques.
Chhajta also condemned the statement in which it has been alleged that this tournament is being organized by the family of the Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. He claimed that tournament was organized by the Rohroo Cricket Association till 2010 after which new Association namely Himachal Pradesh Sports, Culture & Environment was formed and this tournament is being organized by this Association for the last three years. He further clarified that there is no question of illegal diversion of funds from any Government Department. Regular advertisements are issued by the Sports Department for such tournaments for promotion of sports in the State and there is nothing illegal about it. Such advertisements were also issued during BJP regime in the year 2012 when the then Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal sanctioned Rs. 50,000 for this tournament, he reminded.
He warned the HPCA officials not to issue such irresponsible statements otherwise the Association will be forced to file criminal defamation case against the HPCA officials. He said that there is no question of targeting HPCA officials. The law of the land will take its course in any wrong doings that the HPCA officials might have been indulged in, Chhajta added.
