DMK asks EC to relieve CEO of Metro Water director’s post

In his representation sent to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), copy of which was also marked to Tamil Nadu Governor and state Chief Secretary, DMK organising secretary RS Bharathi said, “For the first time in the history of Tamil Nadu, very strangely a CEO, who is discharging duties under the ECI, though an officer under the state service, has been given additional charge as the MD of CMWSSB to work under the state government.”

“EC and its official are to ensure free and fair election without allowing any abuse of powers by the rulers. Even during the election, the officials being drawn from the state and Centre would be under the EC in all aspects including their service conditions such as transfers,” Bharathi said.  Being the CEO, Sahoo, who replaced Rajesh Lakhoni, shall be allowed to function independently, without any additional charge of any of department of the state, as it would denude the exclusive powers and duties of the CEO, even during non-election period, the petition added.

“Even with the consent of the EC, no CEO of a state shall be posted with additional charge of any department or any state-controlled undertaking. It is nothing but interference of constitutional functions of the authority, working under the EC,” Bharathi said.