Defending his action, the minister said the donation was from his discretionary fund.
At a time when the entire nation is wondering about the lack of funds in sports, Haryana sports minister Anil Vij is drawing flak for donating Rs 50 lakh to Dera Sacha Sauda, an organisation run by controversial Sikh leader and bling enthusiast Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh who is best known for the Messenger of God: MSG series outside Punjab. While attending the ‘Tiranga Rumal Chhu’ program in Sirsa, Vij said ‘Your organization is encouraging sports and athletes. Hence in order to promote sports further, I would like to give Rs. 50 lakh which is from my discretionary fund,’ he said. For the uninitiated Tiranga Rumal Chhu, is a competition organised by the Dera Sacha Sauda where all teams are named MSG.
Defending his action, the minister said the donation was from his discretionary fund and the prime objective of his donation was to promote sports in the state. ‘The Rs. 50 lakh, which I decided to donate to the organization, is from my discretionary fund. I am the owner of this fund. Lot of works is being done for sports and in order to promote sports further I decided to give it,’ he said.
Stressing on the need to create better infrastructure for athletes, Vij further stated that the Haryana Government is mulling to table a Sports Council Bill in the upcoming assembly session. ‘This session we are planning to table a Sports Council Bill. It would be statutory body. Under the bill a Sports Council will be constituted at different levels, i.e. district and sub-divisional level, which will focus on sports related matters,’ he added.
Meanwhile, defending his visit to the Rio during Olympics, Vij said, ‘this was not my decision; neither was it decided by my government. A meeting was convened; every opposition party, in the meeting compelled me to go. They said it will boost the confidence of our athletes. This decision was itself taken by the opposition. If they are indulging in double talk, then what can I do’’
Anil Vij, earlier this month, faced criticism when he visited Rio to encourage Haryana players in the Olympics.
Watch the event here:
Reacting to the announcement of Rs 50 lakh donation to Dera Sacha Sauda by Vij yesterday, Congress' chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "I haven't seen all angles of this story. All political parties are on the side of money being donated to encourage sports. Anil Vij has to consider his decision about attachment to people. "He is in a responsible political and constitutional position. He has to take a decision about this behaviour. If he doesn't take any decision then people of Haryana will have to act."
The donation was announced by Vij at Dera Sacha Sauda in Sirsa district after he witnessed a sporting event. Dera chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was also present. "It is a very good thing. Along with religion, education and games are there, that means they are trying to prepare a complete human being," Vij said. "He is encouraging the games. Since the schools are also encouraging games here, I would like to donate Rs 50 Lakh from my discretionary fund," he said here last night.
Notably, all the games played inside the academy are created by Gurmeet Ram Rahim himself and are not played at national or international level.
Vij had led a Haryana delegation to Rio Olympics recently.
Ahead of assembly polls in Haryana, the Dera had extended support to the BJP.
After a match here yesterday, Vij said the tournament is a great mixture of different games. He said this "combo" fits the present trend.
Vij said, "Dera Sacha Sauda is already promoting sports for a long time and now BJP government will promote all sports related activities by making 20 Olympic Nurseries. In each Haryana district about 400 Nurseries (subsidiaries) will be set up", he said.
"These Nurseries will provide many athletes for next Olympics", he added.
With agency inputs
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