In a shocking revelation just before assembly poll results, an RTI reply reveals that Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli was paid Rs 47.19 lakh in June 2015 from funds meant for victims of the fatal 2013 Kedarnath floods, for being a part of a 60-second tourism video.
Kohli at that time was recruited as the brand ambassador for the state. The RTI was filed by an activist who is also a BJP member. The development comes out as Bunty Sajdeh, Virat’s agent and founder and CEO of Cornerstone Sport and Entertainment, said, “There has been no monetary transaction whatsoever.”
However, responding to the charges, Surendra Kumar, media advisor of CM, said, “Tourism forms the backbone of the state’s economy, therefore what is wrong if a prominent face is chosen to promote the state’s destinations? Everything has been done in a legal way. These allegations are baseless. People know that redevelopment of Kedarnath has always been the priority of our government. BJP is on the verge of losing elections, so it is coming up with such diversionary tactics out of frustration.”
On the other hand, Virat’s agent denied any such deal between the Uttarakhand government and the cricketer.
Kumar further adds, “I will ask the relevant departments to check details of the payment made to Kohli.”It is BJP that is alleging that Virat Kohli was paid the money through an RTI that they have obtained. If the cricketer’s representative is claiming that they haven’t received the amount, we will get it checked.”
Ajendra Ajay, who had filed the RTI, said, “The RTI reply shows that the amount was paid by the district disaster management authority of Rudraprayag after a clearance given by the Uttarakhand State Disaster Response Management Authority through an email. Why was the state disaster bodies used to pay Kohli? Also, what is the requirement of a brand ambassador for the state? What role do they play in the long run? This is nothing but sheer waste of money.”
