Why did Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik make preferential treatment in the cases of a few companies, including Hindalco, while writing letters to the Prime Minister to allocate coal blocks,” questioned BJP State president KV Singh Deo at a Press meet here on Friday.
Singh Deo said the Chief Minister’s “panic reaction” in connection with the coal block allocation to Hindalco has raised eyebrows towards his role in the issue. He issued a Press statement fearing possible interrogation to him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he added.
“What was the reason for Patnaik writing the letter in May 2005 to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) recommending allocation of the Talabira II coal block to Hindalco whose application was turned down by the 25th Screening Committee,” asked Singh Deo, adding, “Why didn’t the Chief Minister write for other companiesIJ”
He demanded that both the Central and State Governments give answer about the undue favour towards a particular company. He also said the State Government needs to answer about irregularities in the case of the Sainik-OMC joint venture. Only cancelling the deal won’t help; adequate reply is needed for violating the existing joint venture norms, he added.