Super Bazar director refutes charges

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, FEB. 21. Mr.Harcharan Singh Josh, All-India Congress Committee member and one of the Directors of Super Bazar, today lashed out at the Central Registrar for sending him "show cause" notices regarding financial mismanagement of the cooperative. He charged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance Government at the Centre was hatching a conspiracy to close down the Super Bazar.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Josh said that despite regular information about malpractices and irregularities being carried out in the functioning the Super Bazar, which has 151 branches in Delhi, neither its administration nor the Government took any step to check it. ``Instead, the Government is now conspiring to sell it off to some private party,'' he alleged.

``Till 1996-97 the financial condition of Super Bazar was good. But after the NDA government came to power, things started deteriorating,'' Mr. Josh said, alleging that before last Delhi Assembly polls, the BJP-led State Government reduced the prices of various commodities to hike it later again resulting in loss of Rs. 1.6 crore to Super Bazar. ``However, no compensation was paid to Super Bazar despite assurances from the Prime Minister's Office.''

Later, the salaries of Super Bazar employees were also hiked putting a burden of Rs. 8.4 crore, but no financial assistance was provided to meet this extra expenditure. Similarly, various Government departments owe Rs. 7 crore to the Super Bazar.

Regarding the show cause served on him, Mr. Josh said the Central Registrar issued it clearly indicating mala fide intention to defame him. ``How can I alone be blamed for the mismanagement when there are 17 directors,'' he asked.

``It is nothing but political vendetta. The charges against me are motivated at ending my political career. As I've challenged the Government over the Sapru House controversy, they are now leveling charges to malign my image,'' he alleged.

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