C'garh Cong opposes appointment of Oommen as Chief Secy

Raipur, Aug 1 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh Congress has complained to Governor E S Narsimhan against appointment of Mr P Joy Oommen as Chief Secretary, despite three complaints registered against him in the State Lok Ayog (Lokayukt).

''In the memorandum submitted before the Governor, it has been pointed out that reply in two of these cases had not been filed. The Lok Ayog has not given clean chit to Mr Oommen,'' State Congress President Dhanendra Sahu told UNI here today.

The memorandum stated that the Supreme Court judgement in the matter of Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Neera Yadav has been ignored. Besides, appointment of Mr Narsimhan to the post has neglected tradition as other senior officers were present.

He said the manner in which appointment was made has raised suspicion whether it was made to reap electoral benefits. He demanded the Governor to reconsider Mr Oommen's appointment and remove him from the post.

Mr Sahu said the Chief Minister had the right to appoint Chief Secretary but opposition was against appointing an officer who is facing charges. If the CM did not wish to appoint Chief Secretary on the basis of seniority, he could appoint some one, who is not facing charges.

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