Did Suvendu Adhikari Urge the Centre to Act Against IAS Officer for False Claims about DVC?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Suvendu Adhikari accuses IAS officer of false narratives.
- Mamata Banerjee's previous claims against DVC are similar.
- Concerns raised about the integrity of public officials.
- Impact on upcoming assembly elections is significant.
- Election Commission's role in monitoring biased officials is crucial.
Kolkata, Sep 27 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Saturday, brought to the notice of the Cabinet Secretary from the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT), accusing a senior IAS officer of fabricating false narratives against the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC). This allegation closely mirrors claims made by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has often charged DVC with worsening the flood situation in the state by releasing water from dams without prior notice to the government.
On Saturday, Adhikari posted on social media, sharing a video where the district magistrate of Hooghly, Mukta Arya, echoed similar accusations against DVC while at a community Durga Puja pandal in the district.
IANS, however, could not confirm the video’s authenticity. Adhikari tagged current Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan and CEO (West Bengal) Manoj Kumar Agarwal in his post.
“Is this the state we have come to?” Adhikari questioned in his post, criticizing a government official for disseminating lies against a public institution to curry favor with her superiors for political gain.
He further urged the Election Commission of India to monitor the behavior of such officials given their crucial role in the upcoming assembly elections.
“Can we trust biased officials with ensuring free and fair elections?” he queried, highlighting Arya's dual role as both district magistrate and district election officer (DIO).
Notably, this year’s theme at the Ghoshpur Sarbojanin Durgotsav in Khanakul, Hooghly, centers on the alleged struggles of the area during monsoon season due to DVC’s actions. The theme is “DVC's Water: The Woes of Khanakul,” which has been selected for virtual inauguration by CM Mamata Banerjee, indicating a politically charged narrative against the Damodar Valley Corporation.