Pradesh Congress Committee president Prasad Harichandan on Wednesday alleged that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik himself was involved in the multi-crore chit fund scam.
"BJD Ministers, MlAs and Government officials from top to bottom are part of the chit fund scam. The Chief Minister needs to reply why CBI slowed down the investigation after interrogation of his close aide Saroj," he demanded.
Harichandan showed a video clipping of Odisha Jan Morcha (OJM) president and Rajya Sabha MP Pyarimohan Mohapatra's interview. Mohapatra said, "If Sanjay's name has popped up he is a small fish. There are many more big fishes in the ocean of chit fund scam."
Harichandan said though Mohapatra did not specify the big fishes, the fact was clear that he was referring to some key functionaries in the Government and BJD, including the Chief Minister.
In the same interview Mohapatra also was seen saying, "The Seashore Chief Prasant Dash had been to Naveen Nivas along with the then APICOl Chairman to get the clearance for cultivation of maize at Umarkote. The Chief Minister had directed Dash to hand over something to Saroj. At that time, I was with the Chief Minister."
Harichandan alleged when the Assembly is on, ruling BJD is not allowing the Opposition for a discussion on chit fund scam. On the contrary, the BJD workers took out a rally at Master Canteen here for the chit fund affected people which contradicts with their stand in the House, said Harichandan.