Kolkata: West Bengal Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, stating that the state government is not go...
Kolkata:
West
Bengal Mamata Banerjee wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday,
stating that the state government is not going to release Chief Secretary Bandopadhyay.
She once again urged the PM to withdraw the letter of recall, so
that Bandopadhyay could continue to head the administration in time of Covid crisis and tackle the Cyclone Yaas
related situation.
“I humbly request you to withdraw, recall, reconsider your
decision and rescind the latest so-called order in larger public interest.
Mamata
Banerjee wrote in a letter to PM Modi that the government of Bengal “cannot
release” the Chief Secretary, and “is not releasing, its Chief Secretary at
this critical hour”, in view of its earlier extension
“The Government of West
Bengal cannot release, and is not releasing, its Chief Secretary at this
critical hour, on the basis of our understanding that the earlier order of
extension, issued after lawful consultation in accordance with applicable laws,
remains operational and valid.
She also made it clear that the “latest order is also clearly in
violation of applicable laws and against public interest: it is in any case ab
initio void.”
Clarifying her stand about Kalaikunda episode which sparked
controversy, Mamata clarified her stand.
“I sincerely look forward to earnest federal cooperation in
these grim times, the spirit in which I had flown to Kalaikunda to see you on
28th May, 2021. I am sure that you will not inflict further suffering on the
people of this State by taking away the services of an experienced officer (the
head of the bureaucratic cadre in the State), suddenly without any consultation
and with no prior notice whose continued presence in my State in these
difficult times is accepted to be vital and necessary by your government even 4
days back,” she added.
She also expressed her disgruntlement over “the unilateral order”
which came without any prior consultation whatsoever with the Government of
West Bengal, without any volition / option of the officer, without meeting any
of the pre-conditions of the Indian Administrative Service (Cadre) Rules, 1954
and other applicable laws under reference.”
The chief minister was referring to the letter written by the
Department of Personnel and Training where Bandopadhyay was asked to join the
central government on May 31.
Bandopadhyay was supposed to retire normally on May 31, but he
was given an extension of three months following the state government’s
request.
“Bengal in these times, and your unilateral order (4 days later)
issued in contradiction to the extension granted by you. The unilateral order
also does not provide any details, reasons and/ or particulars as to why
‘central deputation of Sri Alapan Bandyopadhyay IAS, Chief Secretary, West
Bengal required suddenly by you only few days after granting an order of
extension following, due consultation process,” she alleged.
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