DURGA PRASAD Mishra, a full-fl edged Cabinet Minister in the Mulayam Singh Yadav Government continues to sulk, not without reason though.
Mishra took over as Science and Technology & Sainik Kalyan Minister on September 8, 2005. Since then, neither has any officer called on him nor any file related to his two departments ever been sent to him.
But the minister has no qualms about it. Numerous complaints lodged with the chief minister have failed to evoke any response from any quarter.
On the other hand, Mishra has thrice submitted his resignation to the chief minister over the last year. But, every time, the chief minister has turned it down.
“Now, I have finally made up my mind to quit. I will soon put in my paper before leaving for my constituency to prepare for the next round of ballot”, he informed.
Narrating his tale of woes, Mishra says that despite being a Cabinet Minister, he has no ‘financial or administrative’ powers.
“Whenever I ask for files, officers of my department send the same to ‘pancham tal’ where selected few are calling the shots and ruling the State with the ‘CM’s blessings’,” rues Mishra.
As regards personal works, he calls on the Chief Minister who immediately issues directives for the same. However, none of the works have seen light of the day, alleges Mishra.
{{/usCountry}}As regards personal works, he calls on the Chief Minister who immediately issues directives for the same. However, none of the works have seen light of the day, alleges Mishra.
{{/usCountry}}He regrets that even officers of his home district, Deoria, deem it unimportant to meet him during his stay there.
That apart, nobody follows protocol as officers in Deoria are too busy in minting money by providing shelter to smugglers, encouraging felling of trees and auctioning thanas, he discloses.
Mishra claims that no one can lodge an FIR in his hometown or in his Barhaj constituency without greasing palms of officials concerned. “Despite knowing everything, I am helpless,” he bemoans.
An independent MLA from Barhaj in Deoria, Mishra is deeply hurt by the fact that the SP leaders and workers in Deoria have joined hands to ensure his defeat in the forthcoming Vidhan Sabha elections. This when he supports the SP-led Government.
“Hum bus mantri kahe jate hain aur iske naam per car, phone aur staff mila hai”, he says and claims he is not alone. “Many other ministers are sailing in the same boat and being humiliated. But, they are maintaining stoic silence as all want SP ticket in the Vidhan Sabha elections.”
He adds, “It is better to breath in fresh air as just a legislator than to live a frustrated life as a minister.” He says that the bureaucracy, running the show, is corrupt and least bothered for the masses and their problems. However, nothing can be done as they enjoy support of those who matter.