Hooda sends legal notice to ex-BJP MP over Rs 500-cr payout allegation
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda has sent a legal notice to former BJP MP Arjun Singh from West Bengal over an alleged “defamatory” remark accusing him of paying Rs 500 crore monthly to former UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi during his tenure as CM.
The notice pertains to a statement made by Arjun Singh during a media interaction in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, on July 8, where he allegedly claimed that Hooda was compelled to pay the massive sum to retain his position.
As per a video circulated by news agencies, Arjun Singh is heard saying: “There used to be a CM of Haryana belonging to the Congress. It was some time ago — what is his name? Ah, yes, Hooda, Bhupinder Hooda. One day I went to meet him, and he told me that if he ever failed to send Rs 500 crore to Sonia Gandhi on the 30th of every month, he would have lost his job (as Chief Minister).”
Hooda, who recently became aware of the statement through friends, well-wishers, and social media, described the comment as “baseless and reckless”, causing “serious and irreparable damage” to his reputation.
The legal notice, issued by Hooda’s lawyers, stated: “This baseless and reckless remark has spread rapidly, much like wildfire, and has inflicted serious and irreparable damage to my client’s (Hooda) hard-earned reputation. Having dedicated decades of his life to the service and welfare of the people, such a malicious attack on his integrity is both deeply unjust and profoundly injurious.”
Dismissing the allegations outright, Hooda clarified that he never had any personal meetings or associations with Arjun Singh and questioned the credibility of the statement, which lacked any specific date, time, or location.
“The absence of even the year of the alleged meeting exposes its fabricated and malicious nature,” the notice further pointed out.
Hooda has demanded an unconditional public apology, a complete retraction of the statement, and its wide publication. Failing this, he has warned of civil and criminal legal proceedings against Arjun Singh.
Haryana Tribune