The Congress has targeted Transport and Commerce Minister Padmanabha Behera again over a false affidavit row concerning his educational qualification.
In response to a notice sent by Minister Behera to Congress spokesperson Nishikanta Mishra for tarnishing his image over his allegation on February 16 that Behera gave false information on his educational qualification during filing his nominations at different times, which did not match, Mishra dared to face him in court with all documentary evidences.
Mishra in a Press conference on Friday asked why the police had not taken any action against Behera despite an Orissa High Court direction to take criminal proceedings against the Minister under People’s Representation Act, 1951 and IPC Section 171 A for submitting the false affidavit. Mishra also alleged one Bhagaban Bag, who moved the HC over the false affidavit issue of Behera, was being threatened and attacked by goons.
“It was expected that the Minister Behera would clear the air on his educational qualification with proofs for the people of the State. But instead of doing that he served a notice to save his face before his electorate,” charged Mishra. He also demanded that the Chief Minister who is claiming so much about transparency and 5T should take action against Cabinet Minister Behera for keeping the people of the State in dark over his educational qualification. Among others, Congress leaders Prasant Satpathy, Jinesh Das, Amita Biswal and petitioner Bag were present.