The ruling BJP and the Congress in Himachal Pradesh are at loggerheads over the issue of relaxation in restrictions on the purchase of land in the state.
While the ruling party is in favour of easing the norms, the Congress has decided to oppose changes in the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.
Vice-president of state BJP Ganesh Dutt said they were in favour of making some 'practical and genuine' amendments to the law, allowing erstwhile agriculturists of the state to buy land without permission.
On the other hand, Congress state general secretary Vikramaditya Singh said no relaxation in the law would be allowed and their party would move a motion in the Vidhan Sabha in the monsoon session against any such attempt.
Section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy and Land Reforms Act bars the transfer of land to non-agriculturists, Himachalis or non-Himachalis without permission from the state government.
However, sub section 2 (g) gives non-agriculturists the right to purchase a house or land for building a house from the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority without permission.
Commenting on the issue, Dutt said, "The BJP is of the view that those people whose ancestors were agriculturists and owned agriculture land but sold it before the implementation of the Act in 1972 to start some other business, should be allowed to buy land without any permission."