Former PWD minister Rajesh Munat condemning the Congress government’s decision to suspend an officer through a cabinet decision, said land to Indian Institute of Management (IIM) at Nava Raipur was allocated based on an approval by the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
State government on Tuesday suspended former CEO of Naya Raipur Development Authority S.S. Bajaj.
Addressing the media on Wednesday Munat said, as IIM being a central institute, a team from central government had arrived and visited different proposed sites and had finally approved one. Based on the recommendation, the then state government took the decision of allocation. The foundation stone is intact, surrounded by a garden as it was in 2003, when the BJP government came to power.
He said, “It is surprising that nine months after coming to power in the state, the Congress is now recalling the foundation stone laid by then UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Does it coincide with Sonia Gandhi taking charge as Congress interim president so a political message can be given to the high command?”
Munat further said it is the erstwhile BJP government which started the construction of New Raipur city of 21st century where following due process tender was floated for master plan and after finalisation, approval was given.
Bajaj was instrumental in giving shape to the new capital city as per approved master plan, he said.
Munat further questioned for the collective decisions taken by the then government why the Congress is now targeting a single official.