By Cricket, Controversy, and Business Deals — Muralitharan’s Land Allotment Raises Eyebrows in Jammu and Kashmir
The winds of political debate are swirling around the recent land allotment in Jammu and Kashmir, and it’s not just about real estate — it’s about cricket, business, and the ongoing transformation of the region’s industrial landscape.
CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami has sparked a new storm of controversy in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly by raising questions over the allotment of land to a well-known foreign investor: former Sri Lankan cricket legend, Muttiah Muralitharan. While Tarigami didn’t directly name the cricketer, the whispers are hard to ignore — the cricketing giant himself, Muralitharan, is the one at the heart of this brewing political storm.
Muralitharan has been granted 206 kanals (roughly 25 acres) of land in Kathua to set up a high-profile INR 1,642-crore aluminium can manufacturing and beverage filling unit under his company, Ceylon Beverages. The land deal has raised eyebrows not just because of its scale, but because it’s part of Jammu and Kashmir’s post-Article 370 industrial strategy, aimed at transforming the region into a thriving industrial hub.
It’s clear that this investment is part of a larger push to revitalize J&K’s economy, especially in the Bhagthali village, strategically located near the Punjab border. As the state courts foreign investors to bring in capital, Muralitharan’s venture stands out — not just for its size, but for its association with a high-profile figure from the world of sports. However, not everyone is cheering for this new beginning.
Transparency The issue has sparked intense debate across political lines, with leaders like Congress MLA Ghulam Ahmad Mir demanding greater transparency in the land allocation process. For them, the political stakes are high, with accusations of secrecy and backdoor dealings making the rounds. Tarigami, who has always been vocal about transparency, has questioned the legality of the deal, and his concerns have hit a nerve.
Agriculture Production Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar responded to the concerns, acknowledging the controversy but reminding everyone that land allotment falls under the purview of the Revenue Department. He hinted that the matter might require further scrutiny but emphasized that it was not in his direct control.
As for Muralitharan, the legendary cricketer who holds multiple records — including the most wickets in Tests (800) and ODIs (534) — his business move into Jammu and Kashmir is a clear sign that the region is now on the map for foreign investments. However, the legalities, transparency, and political implications of this deal continue to make waves.
This controversy brings to light a larger question: how much do politics and sports overlap in the pursuit of business? The spinning debate around Muralitharan’s business venture in Kathua is far from over, and it seems that the real game has just begun. Stay tuned.
