BJP demands CBI probe into scams in Odisha

Opposition BJP Friday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged scam in sapling plantation scheme, cooperative bank loan and supply of polythene to Omfed.

The BJP said it will approach the courts if the Odisha government does not recommend a CBI probe into alleged scams.

"While the Agriculture minister has admitted in the floor of the Assembly that a scam in the sapling plantation scheme in Mayurbhanj district, no action is taken and the chief minister is tight lipped on the matter," said BJP spokesman Pitamber Acharya.

He alleged that there have been several allegations of corruption against the ruling BJD leaders and bureaucrats, but the chief minister has turned a blind eye towards them.

Stating that former Bihar chief minister Lalu Prasad is in jail for Rs 400-crore fodder scam, Acharya claimed the amount of scams in Odisha could be about Rs 800 crore.

"Naveen Patnaik and Co is sitting as if nothing has happened," Acharya said adding that BJP will launch a statewide agitation and take legal recourse against the state government if it fails to recommend a CBI probe into these alleged scams.

He alleged that the ruling BJD has been ousting leaders who raise corruption issues in the state government.

BJD spokesperson PK Deb, however, rejected Acharya's allegation.

"Why the BJP spokesperson is worried over the action taken by our party supremo? The scams have been discussed in the Odisha Assembly and the state government will take appropriate action for which it does not need any advice from the BJP," Deb said.

Recently Paradip MLA Damodar Rout had alleged irregularities in sapling scheme, procurement of polythene in Omfed, cooperative bank loans and in the health sector.

BJD president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday had expelled Rout from the party on charge of anti-party activities.