- BJP has levelled serious allegations against the Odisha government, claiming a colossal scam in the Location-Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service.
- BJP spokesperson revealed that despite substantial funding provided by the Commerce and Transport Department to the OSRTC for procuring buses, ownership of the vehicles has been transferred to a private company outside the state.
- He emphasized that the Odisha government should rightfully own the 1745 buses purchased under the LAccMI scheme, questioning the motive behind handing over control to a private entity.
- The BJP criticized the government’s decision to charge commuters for bus services, despite the state bearing the entire cost of operation.
- He highlighted the Finance Minister’s provision of Rs 100 crore for procuring buses from private operators, which was allegedly not utilized as intended.
- In light of these serious allegations, the BJP has called for a thorough investigation by the Lokpal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to uncover the truth behind the alleged scam.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has leveled serious allegations against the Odisha government, claiming a colossal scam in the Location-Accessible Multimodal Initiative (LAccMI) bus service, surpassing infamous scandals like the ‘Delhi Liquorgate’ and Bihar’s fodder scam.
During a press conference held at the party office in Bhubaneswar, BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal highlighted the alleged irregularities in the LAccMI scheme. Biswal revealed that despite substantial funding provided by the Commerce and Transport Department amounting to Rs 1000 crore to the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) for procuring buses, ownership of the vehicles has been transferred to a private company outside the state.
Biswal emphasized that the Odisha government should rightfully own the 1745 buses purchased under the LAccMI scheme, questioning the motive behind handing over control to a private entity. He demanded transparency and accountability from the government regarding the ownership and utilization of public funds.
Furthermore, the BJP criticized the government’s decision to charge commuters for bus services, despite the state bearing the entire cost of operation. Biswal condemned this practice, asserting that if taxpayers’ money has been used for procuring buses and covering operational expenses, there should be no additional burden on citizens.
Moreover, Biswal pointed out discrepancies in the government’s budget allocation, alleging misappropriation of funds and suspected money laundering. He highlighted the Finance Minister’s provision of Rs 100 crore for procuring buses from private operators, which was allegedly not utilized as intended. Instead, the government purportedly spent a significant sum on purchasing new buses without proper accountability.
In light of these serious allegations, the BJP has called for a thorough investigation by the Lokpal and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to uncover the truth behind the alleged scam. However, there has been no response from the concerned authorities or the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) regarding these accusations.
The BJP’s accusations underscore a growing concern over governance and fiscal transparency in Odisha, raising significant questions about the management of public resources and the integrity of government initiatives. As demands for accountability escalate, the need for a comprehensive investigation into the LAccMI bus scam becomes increasingly urgent to uphold the principles of good governance and restore public trust.
(With inputs from agencies)
