Congress targets bureaucrat for inviting BJD men to govt function

Bhubaneswar: Congress today demanded dismissal of Pradipta Mohapatra, Additional Secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for allegedly violating the ‘All India Service Conduct Rules’.

At a presser, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) Media Cell chief Satya Nayak today alleged that Mohapatra violated service conduct rules by directing the Kendrapara Collector and SP to invite all BJD MLAs and party functionaries to a function in Mahakalapada which was attended by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on December 8.

“The main job of bureaucrats of the State especially OAS and IAS officers at the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) is now limited to hold meetings of the BJD at the expense of the state exchequer. The BJD menare being invited to the government functions as baratis,” said Nayak while questioning the political neutrality of bureaucrats.

“The Congress wants to know from where the bureaucrat (Mohapatra) is drawing the salary for which he is acting as a BJD agent,” questioned Nayak.

As per the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, every member of the service should maintain high ethical standards, integrity and honesty as well as political neutrality.

Meanwhile, comments from the CMO or Pradipta Mohapatra could not be obtained on the Congress’ allegations.