The Congress party on Thursday demanded the resignation of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in connection with the multi-crore chit fund scam in the state.
This issue was raised at the floor of the Odisha Assembly during the Winter Session by the Congress and the BJP, who raised angry slogans against the Patnaik-led government and alleged the involvement of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders in the chit-fund scam.
"The allegation is that the state government headed by Shri Naveen Patnaik has patronized different organizations and different persons to loot the people of Odisha. And, the Odisha Self Help Co-Operative Act 2001 is a product of a conspiracy to loot the people, and it was followed by floating of different organizations patronized by the state government headed by Shri Naveen Patnaik. As a result of which nearly one crore people of Odisha have lost their savings, and it is a matter of concern," Leader of Opposition, Narasingh Mishra of Congress, told mediapersons here.
"I demand that Chief Minister should immediately step down. He has in the past removed many ministers by saying they are under the shadow of corruption. Now, there is prima facie evidence against the Chief Minister, against his Cabinet colleagues. Therefore, this Cabinet, this Chief Minister has no moral right to continue," he added.
The Congress leader also sought an investigation against the Chief Minister.
"And since few days after the CBI investigation started as per the direction of the honourable Supreme Court, you find everyday the ruling party MLAs, MPs, ex-MLAs, leaders connected to the ruling party are being interrogated by the CBI and they are arrested. And now, it is found that the money looted is mostly with the ruling party leaders. We have demanded investigation should be directed against the Chief Minister because of his involvement," Mishra said.
