Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy’s announcement here on Saturday that his government will not be in a position to provide information sought by the Central Vigilance Commission on a corruption complaint filed by “a person who is part of the administration’’ has caused ripples in political circles.
The complaint pertained to alleged irregularities in the purchase of houseboats when founder president of All India N. R Congress, N. Rangasamy was the Chief Minister.
Mr. Narayanasamy said at a press conference that the existence of such a complaint came to light only when the CVC sought clarification from his government on violations in floating the tender for procuring houseboats during the N. R Congress regime.
“The complaint was sent by a person in the administration without the knowledge of the Chief Minister, Minister for Tourism and Chief Secretary. Due process has been violated in the case. We will provide the information when the administrative procedure is followed,” he said.
To repeated queries about the identity of the complainant, the Chief Minister said “a person in the administration. It is obvious who it is”, he said. When asked whether he was referring to Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi, he repeated that the complainant was part of the administration.
“Those who don’t follow procedures have no right to advise others to follow the process,” he said.
Nevertheless, the Chief Minister’s announcement has set tongues wagging about the thinking behind the Congress government letting go of an opportunity to cause a spot of bother to the leadership of the AINRC.
Mr. Narayanasamy, however, maintained that political differences should not be utilised for victimisation.
While a section in the ruling establishment believe that the decision was taken purely on administrative grounds as the complaint was not routed through proper channel, the other section considers it a wily move to keep the AINRC, a break-away faction of Congress party, on good terms and also check-mate the BJP’s reported efforts to bring the AINRC into its fold.
Cong-AINRC pact?
There have been ample hints to support the conjecture the Congress has already established a working understanding with at least three AINRC legislators with one of them openly supporting the ruling establishment within the Assembly and outside on more than one occasion.
Since the visit of BJP national president Amit Shah where he had reportedly suggested merger of AINRC with the saffron party, the former had maintained a stoic silence. “There is a good number of people in the AINRC who do not want to be identified with saffron ideology,” said a Congress functionary.
“But it has to be seen whether Mr. Rangasamy will go slow on the ruling establishment because of the latest decision. One also needs to see the political context in which the complaint has gone to the CVC. It comes at a time when BJP is desperately trying to bring Mr. Rangasamy into its fold,” said a Congress functionary.
