President of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) state unit, Tirath Singh Rawat, took on the Congress government in Uttarakhand and accused Chief Minister Harish Rawat of shielding senior bureaucrats and politicians, who embezzled funds in the Centre’s relief generated for the flash flood victims that hit the state in 2013. He said the CM was trying to hide the truth as he had not yet ordered a CBI probe into the case.
“He wants to camouflage the truth. Only a CBI inquiry can reveal the truth. The Union Home Minister has clarified that a CBI inquiry can be ordered only on the state government’s approval. But state Congress head Kishore <g data-gr-id="28">Upadhaya</g> is saying even if almighty orders, we will not permit a CBI enquiry,” Rawat said.
He said: “The CM is trying to distract the attention of the public by announcing new policies and schemes. In Uttarakhand, 38 legislatures are moving in cars with red beacons. He has distributed more than 200 red beacon vehicles to appease his near and dear ones, which cost Rs 1,19,000 per month to the state exchequer. The state government is pointing fingers at the Centre for derailing funds for development projects, but it is misusing public funds to meet the choices of a selected few.”
The Congress, too, hit out at the BJP with the CM's media in-charge Surendra Aggarwal saying: “The BJP leaders’ programme of staging a protest march outside the CM’s residence is a drama and hypocrisy. The ongoing successful Char Dham Yatra is an eyesore for them. They should promote it <g data-gr-id="25">in stead</g> as it is <g data-gr-id="23">foundation</g> of the state’s economy. It is better if they stage a protest against the Centre for blocking funds for development projects in the state.” Rajya Sabha MP Raj Babbar also shared the same sentiments.