A presentation made by Indian Administrative Services (IAS) officer Rajesh Rajora on agriculture growth at the State executive committee meeting of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) here on Saturday created a flutter in the political circles.
At the meeting held at the Pt Deendayal Parisar, the State headquarters of the saffron party, Principal Secretary of Agriculture department Rajora was invited to make the presentation in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
He also gave tips to the leaders regarding expansion of farming and to influence the farmers.
In the afternoon, Rajora reached the venue and the Chief Minister introduced him to the party leaders. Chouhan said that Rajora with the help of Power Point presentation would inform as what the leaders could do for bringing about a revolution in the field of agriculture.
later, the presentation commenced, which was listened in rapt attention by all the leaders present, including Agriculture Minister Gaurishankar Bisen.
As soon as the news about an IAS officer giving presentation at the BJP’s office ticked, the Congress opened a front against the ruling party. As per the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964, no officer can take part in any political party’s programme. It has also been clarified in the rules that the officers should not only remain unbiased politically, but also look so. The Congress leaders alleged that it was sheer violation of the rules by Rajora.
Meanwhile, while talking to media persons, BJP parliamentarian Rakesh Singh said that agriculture was an important subject and if leaders of other political parties invited Rajora, he would go there and make the presentation. He defended the presence of Rajora at the meeting and declined to reply a number of questions in this connection.
In reply to the statement of Rakesh Singh, chief spokesman of the State Congress, KK Mishra, has written a letter to Rajora inviting him to make a presentation in the State Congress headquarters at 1 pm on Sunday. He has been requested to address the block Congress presidents at the party office.