Gujarat Minister slams Cong, Governor over Lokayukta issue

The Congress and Governor were responsible for delay in the appointment of anti-corruption ombudsman in the state and efforts were being made to defame the Narendra Modi Government over the issue, Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel said.

"Both Congress and the Gujarat Governor are playing politics over the appointment of Lokayukta in Gujarat," he said while speaking at a function here.

Bypassing the Modi Government, the Governor on August 26 appointed Justice (retd) R A Mehta to the post lying vacant for a long time.

"The Governor's decision was totally against the Constitution. The Governor has no right to appoint Lokayukta without consulting the Chief Minister," he said.

The fact is the Chief Minister had proposed the name of a retired High Court Judge for the post soon after the retirement of then Lokayukta R D Soni in 2003. However, the then Governor did not accept the proposal as Congress MLAs disapproved of the name," Patel said.

"The Modi Government had undertaken the process to appoint the Lokayukta several times, but every time Congress created hurdles and Governor rejected the proposal because Congress was not comfortable with the names suggested by the Goverment," the Minister maintained.

On the other hand, various Bills prepared for benefit of the people and passed by the Assembly have been rejected by the Governor, Patel added.

A few months ago, the Assembly had passed a Bill that was aimed at regularising illegal housing colonies in the state. The legislation, which would benefit over 75 lakh people, was not approved by the Governor, Patel said.

The Bill will be brought to the House again on September 26, the Minister said.

Later talking to reporters, Patel said the State Government has allotted nearly Rs 7,000 crore to various Municipal Corporations and Councils to undertake project to improve basic infrastructure.

The BJP Government is keen to work for people of the state despite "hurdles" created by the Congress and UPA Government at the Centre, he said.

Earlier, the Minister laid the foundation stone for a fire station, staff quarters and a community hall at Kothariya Road here.