Bhubaneswar: Citing Food Supplies minister Sanjay Dasburma’s case, Congress has trained its guns at BJD supremo and Chief minister Naveen Patnaik saying that he is implicitly harbouring the corrupt by refusing to take any action against tainted ministers in his council of ministers.
Congress has also alleged that Naveen is shying away from wielding the axe against errant members of the party since he himself is caught in a sticky situation.
The BJP too has alleged that the CM is staying mum because he is scared of a rebellion within the party.
“BJD is knee deep in corruption and everyone is involved, including chief minister Naveen Patnaik. How and against whom will he act? The CBI has already knocked on his doors. But no subsequent action was seen which implies that he has struck a deal with the Central government led by BJP. When he himself is involved in corruption, how can be take action against his corrupt party members?” said Odisha Congress chief Prasad Harichandan.
“Naveen Patnaik is facing problems in controlling his party. There have been many protests within his party in his presence, which is why he has to issue warnings and whips. Because of such internal disturbances within the party, he is adopting a soft stance,” said senior BJP leader Pratap Sarangi.
Responding to the allegations, BJD spokesperson Pratap Deb said, “Have the opposition parties taken any action on the problems plaguing their parties? Why is the Congress chief silent about the arrest of ex-Congress MLA? Whatever action Naveen Patnaik has taken it has been done with absolute transparency. Nothing has been done under the table. The allegations raised by the opposition parties are baseless.”
Meanwhile, Congress leader Lulu Mohapatra has brought fresh charges targeting minister Sanjay Das Burma without naming him. According to Lulu, Rs 30 lakh has been transferred from Matrubhumi chit fund company to Nilachal Builders. "Whos is the owner of Nilachal Builders?" he asked. Moreover, he has also asked for the identity of the person who he said was caught with wads of currency notes in a hotel in Puri before the elections.
“A complaint was lodged with the Election Commission against a particular person. Who was invited as a guest during the inauguration of Matrubhumi chit fund?, Whether or not Nilachal Builders has received Rs 30 lakh from Matrubhumi chit fund. The person common in these transactions is the same man who has been named second in the list submitted by the CBI in its affidavit,” said Lulu without taking any names.