Senior BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma has launched a sharp attack on the Congress and Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee president Jitu Patwari over alleged financial irregularities in urban local bodies across Madhya Pradesh.
Sharma clarified that the state government initiated action after taking suo motu cognisance of the matter, rather than acting on a complaint from the Opposition.
‘Congress Only Makes Noise, the Government Has Taken Action’
Responding to the Opposition’s allegations, Sharma said the Congress had been reduced to making accusations and creating a political uproar. He questioned whether the party had submitted any formal written complaint regarding the alleged irregularities.
According to Sharma, the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Urban Administration Department independently took cognisance of the matter. Following an examination of data from the e-Nagarpalika portal and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, action was initiated against hundreds of officials and employees.
‘No Corrupt Person Will Be Spared Under the Mohan Government’
Sharma asserted that the state government, under Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, was following a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
“Under the Bharatiya Janata Party government, no corrupt person will be spared, regardless of whom they support or who stands behind them,” he said, adding that public money must be used exclusively for public welfare and development.
He further stated that show-cause notices were being issued to chief municipal officers (CMOs) and other officials found responsible. Strict directions had also been issued for termination of services and recovery of funds wherever warranted.
Sharma added that the Lokayukta had independently taken cognisance of the matter and initiated its own investigation.
Sharma Takes a Dig at Jitu Patwari
Taking a swipe at PCC chief Jitu Patwari, Sharma said Patwari’s “bucket was empty earlier and remains empty today.” He added that instead of trying to throw the “empty bucket” at the state government, Patwari would be better off filling it within his own party, the Congress.