‘Pondy CM must seek CBI probe against Bedi’

Puducherry

Jointly addressing reporters, Lakshminarayanan and Anandaraman alleged that Bedi has been ‘misusing’ her position and authority by seeking funds from companies under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) scheme.

They claimed that there was a committee with guidelines set up by the Centre to mobilise funds under the CSR. Bedi, however, ignored the panel and allegedly set up a desk in her office to contact the private organisations for funds, they said.

“Misusing the authority itself is a clear case of corrupt practice and irregularity,” they said.

“How many waterbodies have been identified for desilting? How much money has been raised and who were the contractors pressed into service earthmovers for the desilting?” they asked, and added only the CBI could bring to light the truth.

The chief minister had written to the union home minister Rajnath Singh seeking a judicial enquiry into the matter.

The CPI(M) too had taken exception to the alleged ‘arbitrary style of functioning’ of Bedi and said the party would picket the Raj Nivas on October 25.

Secretary of local unit of the party, R Rajangam said funds were earmarked in the budget for desilting and hence, there was no need for Bedi to evolve projects and seek the funds.