Jena asks Odisha CM to quit on chit fund issue

Accusing the BJD government of promoting a chit fund company, Union Minister and senior Congress leader Srikant Jena today demanded Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik resignation to ensure an impartial probe into alleged duping of investors by the firm.
"We have been seeking a CBI probe into the chit fund scam, but since the BJD government is opposed to the demand, the Chief Minister should step down till an inquiry by the Crime Branch (CB) is complete," Jena told reporters here.
Stating that the CB cannot conduct an impartial probe into allegations about the Chief Minister's involvement, the Congress leader said unless Patnaik quits office the chit fund inquiry cannot reach its logical end.

"In order to proclaim his innocence and keep his image intact, Naveen Patnaik should relinquish office till the chit fund investigation is over," the Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers said.
Claiming that the CB of Odisha police was dilly dallying the inquiry, he stressed that the investigating should be conducted under the supervision of Orissa High Court.
Claiming that the Chief Minister had graced a function marking the launch of a TV channel floated by a chit fund company, Jena claimed the firm had mobilised investors, depositors and agents at the function.
"The whole exercise gave an impression to people that the company was good and had the blessings of the Chief Minister. The company took advantage of Patnaik's presence to influence gullible investors," the Union minister said.