Opposition ramps up war of words over Pathak’s posting

PATNA: Additional chief secretary, K K Pathak, took over the charge of the prohibition, excise and registration department from Chaitanya Prasad on Thursday. A notification regarding Pathak’s new assignment after his return from central deputation was issued on Wednesday.

Pathak held a brief meeting with the officials of the department on Day 1 and inquired about the steps taken by them to enforce the prohibition law in the state. “He looked calm and sombre during his maiden meeting,” an officer, who did not wish to be identified, told this reporter.

Another officer said, “All the employees of the department reached office in time because everyone knows that Pathak sir is a no-nonsense officer.”

According to sources, Pathak’s return to the prohibition department after a gap of about five years has sent shivers down the spine of the liquor smugglers, who have allegedly been operating in and outside the state in cahoots with some officials and politicians.

Meanwhile, Pathak’s posting has resulted in an intensive war of words between the leaders of opposition parties and those of the ruling alliance. Leader of opposition, Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, quipped, “Why did the government remove him earlier when he was to be given the same assignment again?”

Responding to Tejashwi’s remark, SC/ST welfare minister, Santosh Kumar Suman, said, “It appears that Tejashwi has a lot of information about the liquor trade and its supply chain. Has he or his men invested in the illegal trade?”

The minister’s response, however, irked Congress MLC, Prem Chandra Mishra, who said, “If the government has any evidence against Tejashwi, why is it not taking any legal action against him? It should arrest those involved in violating the new prohibition law and Tejashwi is no exception.”

Mishra added, “The government should pay attention to the matter put forth by the opposition.”