The Centre on Wednesday debunked Congress’ claims that the NDA Government had put obstacles in the celebration of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary celebration on November 14.
The Ministry of Urban Development on Wednesday categorically denied that there was any request by the All India Congress Committee (AICC) for booking of Vigyan Bhawan on November 14.
“The request for booking of Vigyan Bhawan was received from Moti lal Vohra, Treasurer, AICC for booking of Plenary Hall, Hall No. 2,4,5,6, Atrium, Foyer, Business Centre and one office room for 17th and 18th November 2014 for holding meeting for 125th Birth Anniversary of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This request was followed by another request for additional booking from 16th-18th November 2014, which was duly considered and acceded to,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Vigyan Bhawan is utilised for State functions, however, permission is granted to private institutions subject to certain conditionalities. When the request of Vohra was received for booking from 16-18th November 2014, the same was acted upon promptly and permission was granted vide letter No.9/152/VB/HOSTEl/2014 dated November 11, 2014, the statement added.
Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Anand Sharma had on Tuesday alleged that the Government did not want the Conference to take place and it denied the party Vigyan Bhavan on November 14 when it was not being used by anybody.