BJP questions political activism of Chief Minister’s 4 advisors
   Date :13-Apr-2019
Bharatiya Janata Party has raised objection to the participation in active politics and carrying out campaigning for Congress by the four Advisors of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. Addressing a press conference on Friday, BJP State Spokesperson Shivratan Sharma said that all the four Advisors are government servants and cannot participate in campaigning on behalf of any political party.
 
The BJP has further extended a complaint to the Election Commission of India demanding action on the same. Addressing media persons, Sharma said that soon after the Congress led government came to power, Vinod Verma was appointed as Political Advisor, Ruchir Garg was appointed as Media Advisor, Pradeep Sharma was appointed as Advisor (Planning) while Rajesh Tiwari was appointed as Advisor (Parliamentary Affairs) to the Chief Minister. They were appointed by the General Administration Department and they have been entitled to salary and other perks at par with government officials. Sharma alleged that all the Advisors are campaigning for the Congress, which is not only violation of Chhattisgarh Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1965 but also its a serious violation the Model Code of Election Conduct.
 
He said both Vinod Verma and Rajesh Tiwari were present along with Congress leader Navjot Singh Siddhu in the press conference. He also alleged that the Election Commission of India despite having the said information is not taking action due to pressure from the State Government.