In a hard-hitting response to Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi’s statement that the officers against whom the CBI had filed a case in connection with medical admission irregularities “have a choice to tell the truth as to whose instructions were they following,” Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Saturday said such a remark was tantamount to instigating the officials to defame the government.
Addressing a press conference here, the Chief Minister said it was a criminal offence to instigate people for getting a favourable response and so the government was exploring legal measures, including filing a defamation suit against Ms. Bedi.
“We are consulting legal experts and will take a decision soon. She is functioning as a police officer. Instigating officers against whom a probe was on is a criminal offence. The government has taken a serious note of her statement,” the Chief Minister said.
‘Working for BJP’
Ms. Bedi with her decision to administer the oath to three BJP leaders as nominated members had already shown her inclination to do the bidding of the saffron party, he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated his opinion that Ms. Bedi was working at the behest of the BJP.
Now, she was trying to influence the officers to implicate the Chief Minister, Health Minister and Chief Secretary in the case. “Otherwise, sitting in a constitutional position why should she ask the officers to tell the truth. Let the investigating agency question the officers and verify records. As far as the government is concerned, there is nothing to hide,” he said.
The Union Ministry of Health had given a satisfactory opinion on the counselling done by Centac, he said. The government had done everything according to the guidelines issued by the Medical Council of India and the Ministry, he added.
To a query whether the ruling party would launch an agitation, he said the party would consult its alliance partners and would take an appropriate decision. “She (Bedi) does not know the sentiments of people and risks facing a backlash,” the Chief Minister said.
