EC wants Bihar chief secy to explain Buta appointments

Taking suo motu cognizance of reports that Bihar Governor Buta Singh had appointed new members to the state’s SC/ST and Minority Commissions after the Assembly poll dates were announced, the Election Commission called for a ‘‘factual report’’ from the chief secretary.

The reports said the Governor had also filled up vacant posts in the Bihar Public Service Commission and the Backward Commission and announced reconstitution of the Citizens’ Council. And this despite the code of conduct being in place for the Assembly polls.

Singh, meanwhile, defended the reconstitution of the Citizens’ Council, saying the orders were issued before the conduct code came into force. The state government notification, though announced today, reportedly had yesterday’s date.

Then again, Singh today sent a proposal to the EC for transfer of Home Commissioner A. K. Biswas. The Governor wants Biswas posted as secretary of the Energy department. Biswas was on the hit list of Chief Secretary G. S. Kang over the controversial transfer of IPS officers.