BJD terms transfer of Odisha CMO officials unfortunate, design of BJP

Election Commission suspends officers linked to Odisha CM, BJD accuses BJP of politically motivated transfers.

The Biju Janata Dal on Wednesday termed transfer two senior IPS officers linked to office of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik by Election Commission of India ‘unfortunate’ and ‘design’ of Bharatiya Janata Party.

“It is unfortunate that actions have been taken against some of the officers working in CMO by ECI. I would say that those two officers were outstanding officers of Odisha and both of them have played great role in controlling naxalism in Odisha risking their lives whether it is in Gajapati or Malkangiri districts,” said V.K. Pandian, close aide of Mr. Patnaik and chairman of 5T (Transformation and Initiatives).

Mr. Pandian said, “the two officers were awarded by highest authority in the country for their commitment, dedication and sacrifice in the service.”

“This is as per the design of BJP which cannot digest imminent defeat in the hand of BJD. It cannot stand against popularity of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and his sway over people of Odisha,” he pointed out.

It is to be noted that ECI had placed D.S. Kutey, Special Secretary to Odisha CM, under suspension, and directed Ashish Kumar Singh, Inspector General of Police (CM Security) to undergo medical examination on charges of influencing simultaneous elections in the State.

The ECI said the allegations forwarded by Chief Electoral Officer, Odisha were corroborated by various other inputs received from field from time to time.

Mr. Kutey, the 1997 batch officer, is additional director general officer rank officer and posted in CMO for several years while Asish Kumar Singh, 2010-batch officer, was shifted as Inspector General of Police (CM-Security) just before election by ECI. Both the officers were said to be working in close coordination in CMO although BJP alleged that they were directly interfering in elections.