BJP opposes extension to health director

Shimla, Oct 22 (UNI) The BJP today opposed a five-month extension to Health and Family Welfare Director M L Mahajan, who term was earlier extended by one year on November 1, last year, saying the the Congress government was violating the model code of conduct.

In a written complaint to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), party secretary Hira Nand Kashyap alleged that Mr Mahajan's tenure, to end on October 31, has been extended by the present government by another five months.

''After the announcement of assembly elections in the state on October 10 and the code of conduct coming into force, the government gave him extension till March 1, 2008 on October 12, while showing it on October 10,'' he alleged.

Mr Kashyap urged the Election Commission to remove Mr Mahajan from his post as he has been given extension in disregard to the code of conduct.

''One can imagine that such an officer, who has been obliged out of the way by the government, at the top post in an important department of direct public dealing will only serve the interests of the ruling party in elections,'' the BJP complaint said.

The BJP also mentioned PWD engineer-in-chief S P Negi, whose term had been extended earlier this year by the state government till March 31 next year and said he too is close to Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh.

Besides, he was giving contracts to the people with Congress ideology from back date, the party alleged.

UNI