AAP Says BJP MLA Anil Sharma Shields Illegal PGs in Satya Niketan, Sharma Rebuts

New Delhi: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday alleged that BJP MLA Anil Sharma is protecting illegal paying guest (PG) accommodations in Satya Niketan and demanded a probe into his properties.

Sharma rejected the allegations, saying the land was his ancestral property and showed some documents, claiming to have the registry and sale deed of the property.

Addressing a press conference, AAP leaders Sanjeev Jha, Kuldeep Kumar and Anurag Dhanda questioned how Sharma came to own a large property in the area when, according to them, 1986 land records showed that his father had been allotted 307 square yards.

They demanded that any demolition drive against illegal PGs should begin with Sharma's property.

Sharma, who represents the RK Puram constituency under which Satya Niketan falls, said at a press conference that the building in question is a four-storey structure with stilt parking.

The BJP MLA, who is also a spokesperson for the Delhi government, said that the land belonged to the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and showed the documents.

He said the property was his ancestral land and it was not purchased, and demanded an apology from the Aam Aadmi Party leaders and threatened to file a defamation case against them.

At the AAP press conference, Jha also cited a video of a girl from Satya Niketan, who spoke to the locals, who told her that Sharma was shielding the PG owners in the area.

"According to the 1986 land records, his father was allotted only 307 square yards of land. When Anil Sharma's father was paying chulha tax on 307 square yards, where did the additional land for his 500-square-yard PG and 500-square-yard house come from?" Jha asked.

He demanded that the government investigate whether the land beyond 307 square yards was registered or whether it was an encroachment.

Jha also alleged that complaints flagging illegal PGs had earlier been made to the Lokayukta when Sharma was a councillor and later deputy mayor, but no action was taken.

He said that if the government is taking action against unauthorised PGs and sealing illegal floors, the same action should be taken against Sharma's property.

"Every time an incident occurs, it is repeatedly said that strict orders will be issued and action will be taken. Mere statements will not be enough. Impartial action without any discrimination will have to be taken," Jha said.

Kondli MLA Kuldeep Kumar alleged Sharma's building to be illegal.

He also questioned how a person recorded as owning 307 square yards could have a property spread over a much larger area and sought details of the MCD-approved building plan, permissible coverage and number of floors.

AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda alleged that Sharma was running a "PG racket" in Satya Niketan.

He also alleged that the ongoing demolition of PG buildings in the area could be aimed at eliminating competition and increasing bed rates at Sharma's properties.

Sharma dismissed the allegations and said the AAP should verify the documents before making allegations.