Bhubaneswar: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Kartik Pandian on Wednesday termed the transfer of two IPS officers connected to the office of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik by the Election Commission of India (FCI) unfortunate.
Pandian statement came after the ECI on Tuesday ordered the suspension of DS Kutey, special secretary in the chief minister’s office (CMO), on charges of unduly interfering in the conduct of the election.
Similarly, the poll panel asked another IPS officer, Ashish Singh, inspector general (CM security), who is on medical leave to present himself before a medical board by Thursday.
Terming the ECI’s move unfortunate, Pandian said, “It is very unfortunate that the Election Commission has taken action against some of the officers who are working in the Chief Minister’s Office. 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 whether it is Gajapati and Malkangiri. 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 the Bharatiya Janata Party which cannot digest imminent defeat in the hands of Biju Janata Dal and it cannot stand against the popularity of Naveen Babu and his sway over the people of Odisha.”
He also praised IPS officer DS Kutey for bringing down the Naxal menace in Odisha.
“If Naxalism has ended in Odisha, it is because of the officer’s important contribution. He fought with the Naxals putting his life at risk. Be it in Gajapati district or work as the IG Operations against the Naxals, there is a threat to his life. The decision is politically motivated and is not good. Whatever the BJP leadership politically wants that is happening. It is very sad, Pandian said.
“The CM and the BJD have never used officers for electoral benefits. The party is very strong with one crore members. The saffron party may need such help but not BJD,” maintained Pandian.
Accusing the saffron party of failing to solve farmers’ issues, he further said, “After coming to power at the Centre in 2014, the party had promised to double the MSP and income of farmers. Just 10 days before the commencement of elections, it remembered the farmers and promised them Rs 3,100 MSP for one quintal of paddy.”
