ЁЯУ░ Khabar Satyavarta
Correspondent, Chaukhutiya
Chaukhutiya. The political atmosphere in Chaukhutiya block has intensified as allegations and counter-allegations between Block Pramukh Chetna Negi and Kshetra Panchayat Member Heera Singh Bisht continue to escalate. Following the recent press conference by the Block Pramukh, Heera Singh Bisht has now responded by organizing a press briefing at his homestay, strongly denying all allegations and presenting his side in detail.
Heera Singh Bisht stated that on April 18, ten Kshetra Panchayat members had submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) through the Block Development Office. The memorandum focused on developmental issues and did not mention or accuse Block Pramukh Chetna Negi in any manner. Despite this, he termed the personal allegations against him as unfortunate.
He clarified that he never visited the block office as a representative of the Block Pramukh but always in the capacity of a Member of ParliamentтАЩs representative. Addressing allegations regarding contracting work, he said that contracting is his profession and the livelihood of his family. He emphasized that he is duly registered with various construction agencies and that all works executed through the рдкрдВрдЪрд╛рдпрдд system were carried out via proper tender procedures. He added that if there had been any irregularities, officials would have taken action at that time.
Bisht questioned why the issue of alleged violationтАФregarding a representative engaging in contractingтАФwas being raised after three and a half years. He termed it a reflection of weak administrative oversight and suggested that regular audits of block offices may not be taking place.
He also clarified allegations related to his homestay, stating that it was constructed through a bank loan. Regarding claims about a wall built under MGNREGA, he asserted that the wall was constructed on his land three years before the homestay, following due application and approval.
Launching a counterattack, Bisht alleged that on March 7, during an NRLM-related BBM examination, the current Block Pramukh was present inside the examination hall, and he demanded a high-level inquiry into the matter. He further alleged financial discrepancies in development works, claiming that information boards with a cost of тВ╣1,000 were being billed at тВ╣2,000.
He added that during his wifeтАЩs tenure as Block Pramukh, Chetna Negi was a Kshetra Panchayat member and had undertaken over 16 development works. However, he alleged that currently, discrimination is being practiced against ten BDC members, which would not be tolerated. A memorandum regarding this issue has already been submitted to the CDO through the Block Development Officer.
Bisht accused the Block Pramukh of giving a political and personal angle to the issue of discrimination and challenged her to prove the allegations. He warned that if the claims are not substantiated, she should issue a public apology, failing which he would proceed with a defamation case.
Meanwhile, Block Pramukh Chetna Negi has refrained from commenting on the controversy at this stage.
In this regard, Block Development Officer Mamta Karki stated that a memorandum regarding the discrimination allegations was received, addressed to the Chief Development Officer. She clarified that the department follows a transparent process, and all development plans are formulated based on proposals received from village heads in open meetings.
She emphasized that planning is done without any bias and the department neither works under pressure nor will it do so in the future.
Currently, the issue has become a major talking point in political and administrative circles of Chaukhutiya. While allegations continue from both sides, questions are also being raised about administrative functioning. Further inquiry and action in the matter are expected in the coming days.
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