Contrary to its earlier stand Virbhadra Singh Government decided to end dead lock with Yog Guru Baba Ramdev as the State council of ministers today decided to reconsider cancellation of lease Patanjali Yogpeeth near Sadupulh of Solan district. The Cabinet note released today said that it have given approval for restoration of lease of Government land allotted in favour of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust, Haridwar (Uttrakhand).
The state communique said that Yog Guru wants to establish a Branch of Yog and Ayurved related Medical Science Research and Health, Tourism and production of Herbal Medicinal plants at Mauza Kalhog, Tehsil Kandaghat district Solan. The State Government official also confirmed in another communique that cabinet decision would subject to the Ramdev ceasing over the litigation on the issue. `Cabinet decided to consider the request of Patanjali Yogpeeth Trust Haridwar (Uttrakhand) and review its decision of cancellation of the lease provided the trust agree to withdraws the civil writ petition pending in the High Court` Government release added.
Three months after coming to power, the Virbhadra Government had revoked the lease on February 19, 2013 and directed the Solan Deputy Commissioner to take possession of the land. Three days after the cancellation of the lease, a team of Solan district officials took possession of the land. Terming the lease of land to Patanjali Yogpeeth at rate of Rs one per annum for 99 years unjustified move of former Prem Kumar Dhumal Mr. Singh not only cancelled the lease deed. BJP Government had leased out 20 acres (96.5 bighas) on the Chail state highway to Ramdev for Rs 17.31 lakh for 99 years in 2010 to set up an herbal garden and a branch of his Patanjali Yogpeeth as on behalf of the trust, the agreement was signed by Acharaya Balkrishan.
On the fall out of Government action Ramdev moved the Himachal High Court and on February 28, 2013 the Court directed the State Government to maintain status quo on the land and now the matter is pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court. When State Assembly is eight month to go in the state Mr. Singh took u-turn today as he has taken contrarily different stand probably not to dismay the heavy following of Ramdev in the State.
