CVC's appointment draws BJP flak

Government decision aimed at covering up 2G, Commonwealth Games scandals

Party spokesman Tarun Vijay said the government’s decision “is unacceptable” to the BJP.

He described the government’s reported step as “sad and shocking” and said “it is being done in a blatantly and hastily” manner despite “suggestions and objections” by the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, who is also a member of the selection committee.

Thomas, Telecommunications Secretary, is expected to take charge as CVC following the superannuation of incumbent Pratyush Sinha on Monday, official sources said.

“The recent appointment of the Central Vigilance Commissioner in the blatantly hastily manner is clear indication that the government wants to cover up the 2G spectrum scam,” Vijay told reporters here.

Financial irregularities

“And not only that, immediately after the Commonwealth Games, all the financial irregularities that have been alleged will come to be inquired into by the CVC,” he added.
Vijay reiterated that the government has decided to appoint Thomas Central Vigilance Commissioner ignoring the “suggestion and objection” of Sushma Swaraj. There were three names proposed by the panel for the post. Sushma Swaraj told the committee to choose any one of the two names except Thomas, but “it was ignored,” he said.

Sushma Swaraj suggested that the committee should enlarge and revise the list saying that there “are many more better names” outside the panel’s suggestions which can now be included for “this very significant and important post,” Vijay  said. This suggestion was also ignored by the committee.

Later, she wanted the meeting postponed and suggested that the committee members should do “more homework” to make the “best nomination” for the post, he said. “This was also ignored,” Vijay said. “What is the use of inviting or having the Leader of Opposition as a member of selection committee.”

Vijay said the only reason that Sushma Swaraj objected to Thomas’s appointment was that “he had already been involved in a palm oil scam in Kerala when K Karunakaran was the chief minister of the state.” He said his party was aware of the fact that Thomas’s name was cleared in the case after an inquiry. However, a person who is completely blameless should be nominated for the post of CVC.

“It’s really shocking and surprising how the government insisted on just one name, that of Thomas, and ignored the suggestion and objection of Sushma Swaraj.
Hence, she recorded her dissent,” he said.

Vijay said the CBI is probing the 2G spectrum scam, but the case may come to the CVC at a later stage.  Being the Telecom Secretary, Thomas has to defend A Raja, Telecommunications Minister, and the entire 2G spectrum scam.

“Such incidents show the mentality of the government in a democracy,” he said.