Cong, INLD demand CBI probe, CM’s resignation

Chandigarh, December 12

Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda today demanded a CBI probe into the appointment of several members of an NGO, Global Village Foundation (GVF), in various boards and corporations.

He also demanded CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s resignation for apparent clash of interests in the power department as the CM himself is the minister in charge of the power department and no appointments could take place without his consent and knowledge. Hooda said the appointment of Balram Nandwani, an office-bearer of the NGO, who had interests in several companies, including those in power sector, as independent Director in the UHBVN amounted to clash of interests. The former CM demanded that the benefits given to the NGO against set norms proved that the BJP Government was following the policy of nepotism.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, Leader of Opposition Abhay Chautala also demanded a CBI probe into appointment of representatives of an NGO on key posts as it was “in gross violation of the state’s interests”. He also sought CM’s resignation. “It is shocking how representatives of an NGO that was constituted only after this the BJP came in power have been appointed on posts like directors of nigams and corporations. It is further inexcusable that a person, who has been appointed a director of a power discom, also has interests in a company supplying electricity to it,” he said. — TNS