UP govt misusing bureaucracy: Opposition

Lucknow, Aug 31 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh assembly today witnessed some noisy scenes over the presence of government officials during the ruling Samajwadi Party function here on August 29.

The BJP, BSP and Congress cornered the treasury benches over the issue, allleging bureaucracy was being misused for political reasons.

The leaders also criticised the speech by chief secretary Naveen Chandra Bajpai at the function about the three years achievements of the state government.

Raising the issue, Congress legislature party leader Pramod Tiwari said the officials had violated the All India Conduct Rules 1968 as it clearly mentioned government officials should not engage themselves in any political meeting or activity.

Demanding discussion on the issue, leader of the Opposition Lalji Tandon said it proved bureaucracy was being miused by the SP.

BSP leader Swami Prasad Maurya also supported the view of the opposition, saying it was an effort to politicise the bureaucracy.

However, state Parliamentary Affairs minister Mohd Azam Khan outrightly denied the allegation saying the Chief Minister has the priviledge to summon any official during any meeting.

The house was adjourned for 20 minutes during a heated discussion between BJP and Congress members over the statement made by BJP state president Kesri Nath Tripathi.

Mr Tripathi was reacting to a statement made by the Chief Minister in the house on August 23 over the BJP leader. But, Congress leader Pramod Tiwari objected to it.

In protest, the BJP members tropped in the well of the house against the utterances of Mr Tiwari.

Later, speaker Mata Prasad Pandey ruled Mr Tripathi could only give his statement in the presence of Mr Yadav in the house.

UNI MB/VS KS KP1522