Describing the government's decision to appoint Telecommunication Secretary P.J. Thomas as the new Central Vigilance Commissioner as “unacceptable,” the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged on Sunday that this was done to cover up the 2G spectrum scam and irregularities in the Commonwealth Games-related projects.
“Sad and shocking”
Addressing reporters here, BJP spokesperson Tarun Vijay said the decision was “sad and shocking” and had been taken despite the objections of the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj who was a member of the selection committee. Ms. Swaraj gave her dissent over the appointment in writing.
Mr. Thomas is likely to take charge as the CVC following the superannuation of the incumbent Pratyush Sinha on Monday.
The decision to appoint him was taken late on Friday night by the selection committee comprising Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Home Minister P. Chidambaram and Ms. Swaraj.
CWG financial irregularities
The appointment in a blatantly hasty manner was a clear indication that the government wanted to cover up the 2G spectrum scam, Mr Vijay said. Also, immediately after the Commonwealth Games, all the financial irregularities that had been alleged would be inquired into by the CVC.
Mr. Vijay said the government had proposed three names but seemed to have decided on Mr. Thomas ignoring the “suggestion and objections” of Ms Swaraj. She had asked it to choose any one of the other two names as she had reservations over Mr. Thomas' appointment for his alleged involvement in the palm oil import scam in Kerala. He had, however, been absolved of the charges in an inquiry.
Ms Swaraj suggested that the committee enlarge and revise the list. She said there were “many more and better names” that could be included for consideration for this very significant and important post. This suggestion too was overruled by the committee, Mr. Vijay said.
Finally Ms. Swaraj asked for the postponement of the meeting for another day suggesting that the members do “more homework,” Mr Vijay said. This was also not accepted by the selection committee.
“What is the use of inviting or having the Leader of the Opposition as a member of a selection committee,” he wondered. “It is really shocking and surprising that the government insisted on just one name, that of Mr Thomas, and ignored the suggestion and objection of the leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj,” he said.
