Kanpur: The ongoing dispute between Kanpur District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Haridatt Nemi has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav commented on the political implications of the conflict.
"Earlier, we heard of clashes between the DCM and OCM. Now, it seems even the 'coaches' are colliding, and even the guard's compartment is colliding. Now, officers are clashing, and as a result, people are being robbed and beaten."
Yadav further stated, "The CM is an outgoing CM. First the engines were clashing, then the coaches started clashing, and now even the guard's compartment is clashing. This is the result of officers clashing, where people are being looted and beaten."
Earlier, SP MLA Amitabh Bajpai from Arya Nagar, Kanpur, remarked that the public is being shortchanged amidst the officials' dispute. He questioned the government's "zero tolerance" policy, suggesting the conflict indicates underlying corruption.
Bajpai also claimed the dispute was not merely between the DM and CMO, but rather a reflection of a power struggle between the CM and Deputy CM. Another SP MLA, Mohd. Hasan Rumi, defended the DM's efforts to improve health services at Kanshiram Hospital. He criticized the CMO for politicizing the issue instead of addressing the poor healthcare services in Kanpur.
The Congress party has also weighed in, with Kanpur Rural District President Sandeep Shukla sending a letter to the Governor.
The letter highlighted the negative public perception caused by the conflict between senior officials and its impact on public services, urging for the formation of a high-level inquiry committee. The dispute has also reportedly caused a division among local BJP MLAs, with some supporting the CMO and others calling for his removal.
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