HLP laughs off ‘land grabbing’ allegation

Sports Reporter

DISMISSING the allegations levelled by Hockey Promoters Panel (HPP) that a few members of Hockey Lovers Panel (HLP) had vested interest in Vidarbha Hockey Association’s ground pegged at Rs 250 crore, the HLP members termed it as ‘childish’ accusations.
HPP’s secretarial candidate Vinod Gawai, on Sunday, had alleged that a few members of HLP were more interested in the playfield worth Rs 250 crore.
On Wednesday, in a press conference, HLP members, headed by Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh and presidential candidate Radheshyam Sarda, asked when and how did they (HPP) calculate the cost of the playfield.
“They are making a laughing stock of themselves by levelling such allegations. We can only laugh off such childish accusations,” said Sardar Atal Bahadur Singh. “They were there in power for eight years (2006 to 2014). They might have officially calculated the cost of the land,” quipped Sarda.
“In our two-year tenure we have moved ahead with the proposal of astro turf at VHA ground. The files are in the phase of government clearance. It is because my team is committed for development of the game. We want an astro turf at VHA as soon as possible. The issue of land cost never cropped in our minds,” said Sarda.
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Treasurer Sharma issues cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer’

AFTER being severely criticised by several quarters for not releasing funds for VHA election, treasurer Shyam Sharma, on Tuesday, issued a vague cheque of Rs 40,000 clearly reflecting his intentions of non co-operation.
Sharma issued a crossed cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer’ on November 29, 2016 after VHA President Radheshyam Sarda once again requested him to release funds.
Election Officer Shreegopal Soni had showed inability to carry out the election process due to non availability of funds.
“Where on earth have you seen a cheque issued in the name of The Election Officer,” fumed Sarda.
“Sharma has decades of experience in banking sector. He retired as a bank employee. I think he knows banking procedure more than us. Will the election officer (Shreegopal Soni) accept this cheque? Can he open an account by such a name?” Sarda said.
“These are delaying tactics by Sharma,” he added.
When contacted, Sharma said, “I received a letter from VHA requesting release of funds for election process on Tuesday evening and I handed over the cheque to Pramod Jain.” But he failed to give any concrete answer as to why he issued a cheque in favour of ‘The Election Officer.’ When prodded further Sharma said, “Let them issue me a proper letter, signed by both president and secretary, then I will see to it.”