Governer orders action in MP Lokayukta appointment

In a major move, Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav has ordered “necessary action” in the appointment of state lokayukta allegedly done through faulty procedures.

A letter, copy of which was received through the Right to Information Act by activist Ajay Dubey, was written by the governor’s house to the principal secretary (general administration department) of the Madhya Pradesh government late last week in this regard.

The action assumes significance as Congress, the principle opposition party, and civil society activists, including Dubey, here have accused the Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s BJP government in the state of not following mandatory procedures in the appointment of the lokayukta.

The letter cites irregularities, including improper selection procedure and non-formation of a panel to choose Lokayukta pointed out by Dubey and directed the state government to “take appropriate action.”

According to the complainant, the state government did not follow the necessary norms while consulting the leader of Opposition in the legislative assembly for the lokayukta’s appointment thus breaching appointment rules for the ombudsmen.

“There have been a series of irregularities by the government. We seek Lokayukta’s removal from the state,” said Dubey. Madhya Pradesh government officials are, however, tight-lipped on the matter and deny all charges raised by the complainant.