Bhubaneswar: BJD Star Campaigner and 5T Chairman V K Pandian today pointed fingers towards BJP over Election Commission’s (EC’s) action against two senior IPS officers for allegedly interfering in the election process.
Yesterday, the Election Commission had suspended senior IPS officer DS Kutey who was working as special secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Senior IPS officer has been charged with directly exerting undue influence on the conduct of simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the State.
Shri Kutey has been asked to report at the office of Resident Commissioner, Odisha at New Delhi on Wednesday.
Similarly, Ashish Singh, an IPS officer of 2010-batch who is presently working as IG (CM security), was asked to present himself for a detailed examination by a special medical board constituted by the director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, not later than May 30. He has been on medical leave since May 4.
Terming the action of EC as unfortunate, Shri Pandian today alleged it was done as per “design of the BJP, which was unable to digest imminent defeat” in elections in the State.
“It is very unfortunate that the Election Commission has taken action against some of the officers who are working in the CMO. I would say that those two officers are outstanding officers of Odisha and both of them have played a great role in controlling Naxalism in Odisha risking their lives. I think they have been awarded by the highest authorities in the country for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice. This is very unfortunate and it is as per the design of BJP which cannot digest imminent defeat in the hands of BJD and it cannot stand against the popularity of Naveen Babu and his sway over the people of Odisha,” the BJD leader said.
Stating the action as unfortunate, Shri Pandian said, “It is as per the design of the BJP, which cannot digest imminent defeat in the hands of BJD. And it cannot stand against the popularity of Naveen babu (Patnaik).”
Hitting out at the BJP-led Central government over the coal royalty issue, the 5T Chairman said that the Centre is taking Rs 60,000 crores from Odisha and repaying only Rs 4,000- 5,000 crores alleging that they are taking away all the profits.
“The Central leaders and CMs who are coming to Odisha repeatedly, their campaign will not have an impact because they have not done anything for Odisha. They are taking Rs 60,000 crores from Odisha and repaying only Rs 4,000-5,000 crores and are shedding crocodile tears saying that Odisha is a mineral-rich State. Coal is one of the biggest minerals from Odisha, you take Rs 27,000-30,000 crores and give Rs 4,000 crores to Odisha. Why can’t you revise the coal royalty for the last 20 years?” Pandian asked.
“The people of Odisha can understand what the Center takes away from Odisha. Yes, we are mineral rich but where are you allowing us to get the profit out of minerals? You are giving us pollution and taking away all the profits,” the BJD leader said.
Exuding confidence in the BJD’s win in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the State, Pandian said that the people of Odisha will not be swayed away by the statements of central leaders and Chief Ministers who are coming to the State for their campaign.
“The people of Odisha will not be swayed away by central leaders and Chief Ministers’ statements. If they have done something for Odisha definitely their visit will have an impact and if they have not done anything and they are shedding crocodile tears, the people of Odisha are smart enough to understand this,” the BJD leader added.