Our claims vindicated: Prasad on Sethi’s statement

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 11:

With Artha Tatwa (AT) Group chief Pradip Sethi giving a clean chit to Odisha Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma over the Pajero issue and calling it the ‘biggest joke of the year’, Prasad Harichandan, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief claimed that his party’s apprehensions have come true with the changing of statement by Sethi.

“Our apprehensions that Das Burma could influence the probe have been proven correct with the volte face of Pradip Sethi. Since Sethi is an accused, his statement should not influence the probe. We, therefore, demand Das Burma’s resignation,” said Harichandan.

Earlier in the day, Congress had announced to stage a demonstration in front of the Odisha Assembly on April 26 seeking ouster of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Sanjay Das Burma for his alleged links with chit fund firms in view of the notice served to him by the CBI.

“Sanjay is facing a probe in the mega chit fund scam. He has submitted RTO documents pertaining to the Mitsubishi Pajero vehicle to the CBI. Since he is a minister, there is a likelihood of him influencing the government and the probe process; therefore, he should resign from the minister’s post. Till he proves himself innocent, he has lost the moral right to hold on to the post. If he doesn’t resign, Congress will stage a demonstration on April 26-the day the second phase of the Odisha Assembly’s budget session will begin,” Harichandan told reporters after an important meeting of the party’s core committee today.

“Congress is very clear in its stand on chit fund scam. Stringent action should be taken against whosoever is involved in it. If there is the slightest hint of anyone from Congress being involved in it, immediate action will be taken against him,” he added.