'Secret deal' in sugar mills decision: BJP

The BJP on Sunday alleged that the Uttarakhand government had entered into a “secret deal” with businessmen to run four sugar mills on a private-public partnership mode.

“Under a secret deal, all these sugar mills have already been sold to some businessmen. This move will jeopardise the future of thousands of workers employed there,” leader of opposition in state Assembly Ajay Bhatt claimed.

Bhatt said BJP will not have any objection if the government brings private investment in sectors like roads and other infrastructure facilities in the state.

“We will welcome the government if our ropeways are being developed on a PPP mode,” said Bhatt.

Bhatt’s comments came after Bahuguna on Thursday said he would hold talks with the opposition with an “open mind” on the issue on Saturday evening, but flew to New Delhi without meeting BJP leaders.