nThe alleged scam in public distribution system triggered heated exchange between treasury and opposition leaders during the sixth day of Chhattisgarh State Assembly’s winter session after former chief minister Raman Singh, during question hour, raised question over spending of hefty amount on a private lawyer to save a corrupt officer involved in the scam.

He alleged that the advocate general office was incompetent so the services of private lawyers were taken.

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the SIT was constituted to know who is “CM Madam” and “CM Sir” mentioned in a diary related to the scam, but to stop the process Leader of Opposition filed PIL before the High Court.

He mentioned that even previous governments also took services of private lawyers and payments were made to them.

Singh said in government’s reply it was mentioned that Harish Salve, Ravindra Shrivastava, Apurva Kurup had five times attended the proceeding but those who did not even reach High Court have been given payment. House has been given wrong information, he said.

Baghel said amended answer was given. He said Dayan Krishnan has been given Rs 80 lakhs for his services.  As Raman Singh interrupted, Baghel objected to it. On which Raman Singh do not get agitated and asked him to reply calmly. Baghel said earlier government spent crores in payment there is nothing to hide, the objection is on use of words. Opposition members then raised objection to it. Leader of the Opposition said it is right to file a PIL and questioned the intention of treasury benches.