North India Statesman
News India Live, Digital Desk: These days, the bitter feud between an IAS officer and a senior minister has become a topic of discussion in Bihar politics. The dispute that started between minister close to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Ashok Chaudhary and IAS officer Nilesh Deore over the use of ‘charter plane’ has now taken a new turn. Now the angle of ‘Dalit identity’ has been added to this administrative fight, which has created a stir in the political circles.
What’s the whole ‘charter plane’ controversy?
The bone of contention began when questions were raised over the use of a charter plane for an official tour. The round of allegations and counter-allegations intensified when Minister Ashok Choudhary linked the entire matter to his caste and called it a result of ‘anti-Dalit’ mentality. He indicated that some officials were deliberately targeting Dalit public representatives.
Who is IAS Nilesh Deore?
Nilesh Ramchandra Deore is a flamboyant IAS officer of Bihar cadre. Presently he is handling responsibility in an important department. His image in administrative circles has been that of a strict rule-following officer. However, after coming to the center of this controversy, he is at the center of social media and political discussions. The opposition has also seized this issue and started siege of the government.
Ashok Chaudhary’s ‘Dalit Card’ and politics
Minister Ashok Chaudhary expressed his displeasure through social media and press and said that a conspiracy is being hatched against him. He argued that questions do not arise when other people use such facilities, but in the case of a Dalit leader it is being made an issue. His statement has also sparked discussion within the NDA as to whether this is a war of bureaucracy versus legislature?
Increased challenge for Nitish Kumar
On one side are their favorite ministers and on the other side are the officials running the system. It has become a big challenge for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to calm this controversy. Opposition party RJD (RJD) has taken a jibe at this issue and said, “If in the double engine government, ministers and officers are fighting among themselves, then how will the public be benefited?”