A day after the Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered for suspension of IPS officer DS Kutey and medical examination of another police service officer Asish Singh, BJD leader VK Pandian termed the ECI action against the officers as unfortunate. However, the BJP welcomed the decision of ECI while slamming Pandian for questioning the credibility of Election Commission of India. The BJP also warned that appropriate legal action will be taken after the party comes of power in Odisha.
At a presser here on Wednesday, senior BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said, “Those officers who have miutilised power and harassed the people Odisha will not be spared. This will not be ‘witch hunting’ rather appropriate legal and disciplinary action will be taken based on evidences regarding such officers,” said Mahtab adding that there is still time to wake up and avoid misusing power.
Also Read | Undue influence on Odisha elections: ECI orders suspension of CMO Special Secy DS Kutey
On Tuesday, the ECI suspended IPS officer DS Kutey and ordered medical examination of another police officer Asish Singh, who is on leave. IPS officer DS Kutey, who is presently working as the special secretary to the Chief Minister, has been put under suspension on the charge of “interfering” in the conduct of the elections.
Similarly, the ECI has asked IPS officer Asish Singh, presently working as IG (CM security), to be present himself for detailed examination by a special medical board constituted by Director AIIMS Bhubaneswar, not later than May 30, 2024. He is on medical leave since May 4.
On ECI action, the senior BJP leader said, “ECI might have come across several instances and BJP too had given complaints. Hence, stern action has been taken by the ECI after finding some evidence,” said Bhartruhari Mahtab.
Earlier, speaking to ANI, Pandian said, “This is unfortunate. I would say that those two officers are outstanding officers 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.”
On VK Pandian’s statement, senior BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said, “Is VK Pandian questioning ECI’s transparency? Birds of same feathers flock together. Only DGP will give certificate of dynamism. Anti-naxal operations are conducted under the direct supervision of Centre. Who is dynamic, it will be known. It cannot be called dynamism if one does activities which help a person or party to achieve interests.”
Senior BJP leader Bhartruhari Mahtab said that the Odisha government has not given any focus on education and fulfilling vacant posts, rather it only spent money on other aspects. Already three phases of elections have been completed in Odisha and the last phase of election is scheduled to be held on June 1.