Bhubaneswar: The state unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Monday took a dig at the state government for delay in appointment of Lokayukta in the state.
BJP leader and Padmapur MLA Pradeep Purohit alleged that state government doesn’t want to form Lokayukta as it apprehends that mega mining scam, irrigation scam and several of its ministers will be exposed.
“Though the BJD government patted itself for becoming the first state to pass the Bill in the Assembly, the panel is yet to be formed. Today they have filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court to form Lokayukta. But, I don’t believe this. Submitting the affidavit is a ploy to buy time. The state government will soon say that formation of Lokayukta wouldn’t be possible as the Election Commission has imposed the code of conduct,” he said.
The government would have formed Lokayukta much earlier had it been sincere, the BJP leader added.
BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, “What happened to the BJP’s claim on formation of Lokpal in the country? Why the BJP is maintaining mum over Lokpal issue even though 4/5 years have elapsed.”
The apex court October 24 had expressed its displeasure over the delay in appointment of Lokayukta by the state government.
The government through its affidavit submitted to the SC affirmed that the selection of the Lokayukta for Odisha will be complete by March 31 and it would start functioning from April 8 next.
