BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi said IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal’s suspension by the Uttar Pradesh government was a reflection of the overall deteriorating situation in the state. Firebrand BJP leader Uma Bharti too criticised the government, saying the suspension should be immediately revoked.
The BSP said honest officials were facing hardships in the “goonda and mafia raj” of the Samajwadi Party.
“In the prevailing dismal law and order situation and goonda and mafia raj, apart from the people of the state, honest officials are facing hardship. The suspension of Durga Shakti Nagpal is an example, she been sacrificed for the mining mafia,” BSP supremo Mayawati said.
But the UP government appeared in no mood to revoke the suspension of the IAS officer with state Cabinet minister Shivpal Yadav saying it was a “misconception” that the mining mafia had a hand in the suspension of the SDM of Gautam Buddha Nagar.
Meanwhile, the All-India IAS Association has also demanded the immediate revocation of the suspension. “Whatever wrong has been done should be immediately undone. Such action is not appropriate,” association secretary Sanjay R. Bhoos Reddy said.
Mr Reddy said the association members will meet Mr Narayanasamy, Dr Shyamal Sarkar, secretary, DoPT, and Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth on Thursday in support of its demand. “We will meet the MoS, DoPT Secretary and Cabinet Secretary. We will ask them to intervene in the matter and revoke the suspension of the IAS officer. We will also seek necessary safeguards in the All-India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969, for an officer,” Mr Reddy added.
The association, which has 4,737 members, has already met the UP chief secretary urging him to revoke Ms Nagpal’s suspension.