Cong threatens to jail Chhattisgarh minister

Raipur, Aug 8 (UNI) Describing as politically-motivated Union Minister and Chhattisgarh Congress in charge V Narayanasamy's allegation of a scam running into thousands of crore rupees in rural development schemes, Chhattisgarh Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Ajay Chandrakar today said the congress leader lowered his post's prestige by threatening to send Mr Chandrakar to jail.

''Imprisonment is being spoken of even before an investigation is completed. Mr Narayanasamy has urged that a recommendation be made to the Prime Minister for a Central Bureau of Investigation probe.

The Centre is free to order an inquiry by any agency,'' Mr Chandrakar said at a press conference here.

On Wednesday, Mr Narayanasamy inspected the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme's implementation at some places and alleged that corruption to the tune of Rs 2,000 cr took place. The visiting leader even made a statement about incarcerating Mr Chandrakar after the Congress came to power in Chhattisgarh.

''The Congress could not make any accusation over more than four years. This allegation has been made ahead of the assembly elections. Four Congress MLAs first complained of poor-quality laying of some roads and later submitted a written withdrawal of the complaint. If he wishes, Mr Narayanasamy (who questioned the quality of road-laying) may be provided the MLAs' names and the letter's copy,'' he said.

The National Quality Controller conducted 1,388 on-the-spot inspections and confirmed proper work in 1,088 cases, Mr Chandrakar claimed while adding that the remaining projects were later rectified.

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