Raj govt sanctions Chief Secy's long leave

Rajasthan government today sanctioned the leave application of its Chief Secretary C K Mathew who proceeded on a 58-day leave following allegations by Opposition BJP of favouring the government in the poll-bound state.
"When pursued, Mathew denied to withdraw his leave application and requested the government to sanction his leave till the election process is over," an official said here.
In view of CS' long leave, the Chief Election Commission has asked the state government to furnish a panel of three IAS officers for appointing an officiating Chief Secretary. On this reference, the state government was working to finalise the panel, and send it to the CEC soon, the official said.

On October 16, Mathew proceeded on a 58-day leave till the completion of Assembly elections after BJP alleged that he was favouring the Congress government.
The BJP had demanded immediate shifting of Mathew, alleging that his working style was "doubtful" and the officer was "fulfilling interests of the state government."
BJP had also alleged "gross violation" of model code of conduct in poll-bound Rajasthan, saying the state machinery was being misused to popularise government's flagship schemes.
Yesterday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had termed BJP's allegation and CS' move to go on leave as a "very unfortunate" incident and said such "illogical accusations" demoralise the bureaucracy.