BHOPAL: A letter written by Chief Minister Kamal Nath to party candidates contesting Lok Sabha polls and presidents of district Congress committee after completion of first round of polling in the state, has raised political temperature. Nath in the letter has sought names of names, post and department of those officers and employees who they feel were biased in the elections. The information would be sent to Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC). Nath’s letter has been taken as indirect indication of his impression of government employees that they were working in support of BJP. BJP national vice president Prabhat Jha, has alleged that Chief Minister had written the said letter to spread fear in officers and employees. Jha said Nath has proved by this letter that he was not fit to continue as Chief Minister. Jha demanded Nath’s resignation.
Jha said the Election Commission should take cognizance of the letter and take immediate action against Nath. He asked how could Congress leaders decide objectivity of officers and employees. He said Congress office is not Election Office. Jha said Kamal Nath was not election officer and could not ask for such information. Jha alleged that it was an insult of state government employees who are devoted to the work of elections. Recently, there was power cut at polling booth when Nath had gone for casting his vote in Chhindwara. Nath casted his vote using a torch and he had expressed his annoyance.
A first information report (FIR) was also filed in this matter. Nath had termed undeclared power cut as conspiracy of pro-BJP employees. On the other hand, Congress media coordinator, Narendra Saluja said Nath had written the letter as Pradesh Congress president. Saluja said Election Commission directs for free and fair elections. Nath had asked Congressmen to provide information about those people who are not ensuring free and fair elections. Saluja said the letter has asked for sending required information with evidence so that complaints could be lodged against such people.
No complaint so far: CEO
According to Chief Electoral Officer VL Kantharao, no such letter has come into his cognizance. He said he would get the matter examined on getting such type of complaint.