Binayak convicted,cannot be on panel: Raman writes to PM

Reiterating that he has decided not to attend any Planning Commission meeting till the matter is resolved,the CM says that having been convicted by a trial court,Sen continues to remain a convict for sedition and also under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act 1967 as well as under Chhattisgarh Special Public Protection Act 2005.

It is imperative to note that while Dr Sens appeal is pending in the High Court,his conviction has not been set aside, says the letter.

Pointing out that the Planning Commission is the highest policy-making body of the country,the letter says: Needless to say,institutional integrity of the Planning Commission is of paramount importance, adding that Dr Sens nomination was shocking and against all norms of propriety.

Reminding the PM that he had declared on many occasions that Left wing extremism was the biggest threat to internal security and democracy,the CM says the decision to include Dr Sen in the committee would confuse the people at this critical juncture when the country is fighting a major battle against LWE.

It appears strange that no other name in the entire country could be found for nomination in the Planning Commissions steering committee on health. Moreover,the so-called contribution of Dr Sen to health sector has been hugely exaggerated and there was little on ground to support it, says the letter.

Dr Sen was convicted by a trial court in Raipur on December 24 last year for sedition and other charges and sentenced to life imprisonment. While the state High Court rejected his bail plea,the Supreme Court granted him bail suspending the sentence pending his appeal in the High Court.