Bhubaneswar: Stepping up its demand for Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's resignation and launch of probe by CBI into his possible role in chitfund scam, Congress on Tuesday threatened to launch a state-wide agitation to press for it and for debate on the issue in the Assembly.
Congress workers would stage demonstrations in all district headquarter towns on November 29 asking the Chief Minister to step down and face probe in ponzi scheme scam, Pradesh Congress Committee president Jaydev Jena and leader of opposition Narasingha Mishra told reporters here.
Memorandum would also be given to the Governor listing the party's demands including launching of probe into alleged role of Patnaik in the scandal by CBI, which is investigating into the ponzi scheme scam in the state, they said.
"CBI should initiate probe against the Chief Minister, interrogate him and slap cases as per law as the central agency has sufficient information about Patnaik's possible involvement in chitfund activities," Mishra said.
While BJD leaders including MLA and MP have been arrested by CBI in chitfund case, Patnaik's close aide and BJD office secretary Saroj Sahoo was interrogated in the matter, taking the probe right into Naveen Niwas, the Chief Minister's residence, he said.
Moreover, despite Central government's warning, the Chief Minister had not only allowed tie-up with a chitfund firm but also attended its function, Mishra alleged.
Congress would also demand concrete steps by the state government for refund of money to the poor investors who had put in their hard earned money in ponzi schemes and were cheated by the tainted companies, the Congress leader said.
Assets of the ponzi scheme companies which looted poor people's money should be confiscated and refund to the investors arranged, he said.
Accusing the Chief Minister and ruling BJD of stalling the Assembly in a desperate bid to avoid discussion on chitfund scam, Mishra said BJD leaders are trying to run away as they are afraid of being exposed.
If Congress demands are not met after the proposed demonstration on November 29, the party would intensify its agitation, Mishra and Jena said.