Moderate polling sends BJP into a Tizzy

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Phase-I

Moderate polling sends BJP into a Tizzy

Tough to retain 32 seats

Congress struggling to cross 7 seats mark

Regional parties dominate

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 12

If the moderate to low polling in most of the 91 Lok Sabha seats across 20 states is any indication, neither the BJP and nor the Congress has any reason to cheer. The BJP will be lucky to retain its tally of 32 seats it won during 2014 Modi wave in the first phase. The 2 to 5% less polling in the Hindi heartland of UP, Bihar and Uttrakhand and Maharashtra too has caused worries within the BJP core group. A steep fall of almost 10% less polling in Assam has jeopardized BJP's ambition of winning all five seats in the state. The BJP had won four seats in 2014 while the Congress one.

It is not if the BJP faced a rather tough battle to retain the windfall gains of 2014, the Congress was sailing easy. It won 7 seats out of 91 in 2014 and is struggling very hard to cross the figure. It won two seats in undivided Andhra Pradesh and is unlikely to get any seat this time. It did not win any seat in Maharashtra or Hindi heartland. The Congress' remaining five seats came from the North East. This time, except for Assam, it is unlikely to retain these seats due to rise of the regional parties in North East. Of course, it is back in the race in Maharashtra with its ally NCP in Maharashtra and giving the BJP-SS run for the money in all seven seats. Pollsters who keep track of voting patterns and conduct Exit polls but cannot come out with their forecast say that there is a bitter fight on three seats where anything can happen.

But the real battle is in UP where BJP is faced with strong SP-BSP-RLD combine on all the eight seats which the BJP had won in 2014. In four of these eight seats, the Congress has given tacit support to the Gathbandhan by putting up such candidates who will indirectly help the combine.

For example, in Ghaziabad, it put up Dolly Sharma, a Brahmin who will eat into Gen. V K Singh's votes while in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Arvind Singh Chauhan, a Thakur, will hurt BJP's Dr Mahesh Sharma. Similarly, in Kairana, Congress's Jat candidate will hurt the BJP's candidate while in Meerut BJP's Rajendra Agarwal will be badly hurt by Congress's Baniya candidate Harendra Agarwal. The Congress has not fielded any candidate in Baghpat and Muzaffarnagar from where Jayant Chaudhary and Ajit Singh were contesting.

But on the remaining two seats, the Congress has put up strong candidates - Imran Masood in Saharanpur and Naseemuddin Siddiqui in Bijnor.

The division of votes may help the BJP here. Of the four seats in Bihar, the BJP won all the three seats and 4^th went to ally LJP. This time, it is contesting only one seat and gave two to the JD (U). Thus the BJP will have to struggle hard to retain 32 seats rather than gaining.

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Country gets first Lokpal after 50 years

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Lokpal story with exclusive details.

Country gets first Lokpal after 50 years

Justice PC Ghose to be First Lokpal,

Justice Abhilasha Kumari, Archana Ramasundaram, others recommended Maharashtra Chief Secretary also under consideration Justice Bobde part of Selection Committee

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, March 17

Pinaki Chandra Ghose, a former judge of the Supreme Court, will be country's first Lokpal who will hold the post of Chairman.

Apart from justice Ghose, the Selection Committee headed by the Prime Minister, also cleared the names of justice Abhilasha Kumari, a former chief justice of the Manipur high court, Archana Ramasundaram, a former Director-General of Seema Suraksha Bal (SSB) and a few others.

Highly placed sources say that the selection committee also considered the name of Dinesh Kumar Jain, Chief Secretary of the Maharashtra government who is currently on extension. It is not immediately known if his name was cleared for the post of Lokpal.

Under the Lokpal Act, the anti-corruption ombudsman will consist of a chairperson and eight members, of which 50% will be judicial members, 50% members of Lokpal shall be from SC/ST/OBCs, minorities and women.

Justice Ghose had convicted J Jayalalithaa's aide Sasikala in a corruption case. Interestingly, Justice Abhilasha Kumari is a daughter of former Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. She had served as a judge of the Gujrat high court when Modi was Chief Minister. It was in 2018 when she was made Chief Justice of the Manipur high court and retired after serving for a month only. 

Archana Ramasundaram is the first ever woman chief of any central armed police force and had retired from service in 2017.

A senior bureaucrat from Haryana who was once considered close to Chautalas also figured in the list of those probables.

With the creation of Lokpal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi fulfilled his commitment to give country its first Lokpal which is empowered to inquire into corruption in high places including the office of the PM.

Interestingly, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi did not attend Friday's meeting that continued late in the night. Instead, he sent Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde, a judge of the Supreme Court. Justice Bobde will is the next CJI in line after Justice Gogoi. Justice Bobde is also serving as the Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University, Mumbai and Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur.

Besides, PM and Justice Bobde, Speaker of the Lok Sabha Sumitra Mahajan, Mallikarjun Kharge and eminent jurist Mukul Rohtagi are the members. Kharge didn't attend the meeting. The Selection Committee strictly went by the panel of 20 names recommended by the Search Committee. Justice A K Sikri who is a retired judge of the Supreme Court was disinterested in the post, say sources.

Lokpal's jurisdiction will cover all categories of public servants. All entities (NGOs) receiving donations from foreign source in the context of the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) in excess of Rs 10 lakh per year are under the jurisdiction of Lokpal.

Lokpal will have power of superintendence and direction over any central investigation agency including CBI for cases referred to them by the ombudsman.

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BJP struggling with Sena, JD (U) to identify LS seats

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

exclusive 

BJP struggling with Sena, JD (U) to identify LS seats

BJP contesting 22 in Maharashtra and 17 in Bihar

Parliamentary board to meet on March15-16

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, March 13

The BJP high command is working on a war footing basis with Shiv Sena and Janata Dal (U) in Maharashtra and Bihar respectively to identify Lok Sabha seats electoral partners will contest.

The BJP has agreed to contest 22 Lok Sabha seats in Maharashtra leaving 26 for Shiv Sena. But these 22 seats have not been identified as yet and internal discussions have not been completed as yet. Similarly, in Bihar the BJP will forego its claim on five Lok Sabha seat to keep Nitish Kumar in good humour. The BJP has 22 sitting MPs from Bihar in Lok Sabha. The JD (U) will also contest 17 seats while Ram Vilas Paswan’s LJP will contest remaining 6 seats. The seats in Bihar have not been identified so far.

The BJP high command’s discussions with JD (U) have almost been completed and a formal announcement is possible anytime tomorrow. But Maharashtra is still causing problems despite BJP conceding extra space to Shiv Sena. The BJP is also up set that despite conceding more seats, the Sena’s official organ continues to criticize the Modi government policies.

Highly placed sources in the BJP say that BJP’s Parliamentary Board will meet on March 15-16 to announce party candidates for 91 seats in Phase-I and 97 seats in Phase-II. Maharashtra’s 7 seats are in phase-I and 10 in Phase-II. The BJP wants to finalise seat allocation with Sena before its board meets. Similarly, Bihar’s 9 seats are in Phase-I and phase-II.

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Maha contributed Rs 8.78 L Cr, gets less than 10% funds!

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive report

How Maharashtra gets a raw deal from Centre

Contributed Rs 8.78 lakh crores, got less than 10% funds

Southern states also seeking justice as UP, Bihar reaping harvest

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 24

It has now surfaced how revenue earning states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh etc are paying a heavy price as they are forced to feed those states who have grown in population.

The document showed that Maharashtra contributed Rs 3.14 lakh crores in the central kitty by way of taxes during 2016-17. But the Centre gave it back only Rs 33714 crores. In fact, Maharashtra is the largest earning state for the country year after year and contributed Rs 8.78 lakh crores during 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17. But it got Rs 79421 crores only during this period which is not even 10% of what it contributed in the Central kitty. Though Maharashtra's own population grew by 123% between 1971-2011 period as per the census. Yet it was given back less than 10% of money it earned while states like UP & Bihar thrived.

The documents show that U P which contributed to the central kitty Rs 81459 crores by way of taxes during the three year period from 2014-15 to 2016-17. But the state was given back Rs 2.67 lakh crores which was more than three times. The UP's population grew by 138% between the 1971-2011 period. But the difference between the allocation of funds to Maharashtra and UP was only to be seen to be believed. 

The document made a shocking revelation that Bihar contributed only Rs 16469 crores during 2014-15, 2015-16 & 2016-17 but it got 10 times the money during the same period. Bihar got Rs1.45 lakh crores for its development from the central kitty. Surprisingly, Bihar is clamouring for being granted the status of a backward state and wanting huge funds for development. This is despite the fact that lakhs of farmers have committed suicide in Maharashtra largely because the formula for distribution of resources has made the state suffer most. Maharashtra is the worst sufferer as the document showed because despite a population growth of 123%, its share is not even 10% of revenue what it contributes year after year.

The plight of other states as given in the table is an eye-opener. Be it Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh or Karnataka, they all are suffering to feed the laggards.

Of course, the new Finance Commission may re-look at the distribution of resources as there is a growing demand that some north Indian states must check population growth.

Minister of State in the Finance Ministry Shiv Pratap Shukla while tabling the document in Parliament said the central taxes and duties are released to states as per the recommendations of the Finance commission. He wouldn't say any thing more on the issue.

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Banning “Barter Trade” with PaK: PMO to decide

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Banning “Barter Trade” with PaK: PMO to decide

NIA says Barter-trade generated Rs 1000 crore terror funding

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, Sep 11

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) will take a final call on banning the “Barter Trade” between India & Pakistan which was aimed at promoting trade & harmony between the people in J & K and PoK.

Highly placed sources in the government say that the PMO is seized of the matter after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) strongly recommended the closure of the barter trade. The NIA had sent its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) which is turn has referred the issue to the PMO as it has wider implications.

Incidentally, it was the Union Home Ministry which had initiated the Barter-Trade agreement with Pakistan in 2008 at the bidding of the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh within days of returning to India from his US trip in 2008 to promote harmony between the people on both sides of Jammu & Kashmir. It was decided that no cash will be involved, only 21 items will be trade for mutual exchange and the value of items will be fixed by traders mutually. The goods should be produced in J & K and PoK only. But what happened thereafter, was an eye-opener to agencies. For example the Californian Almonds made their way from Pakistan to J&K on the ground that these were produced in PoK.

Lokmat was first to break the story “Barter Trade or Terror Funding” on January 23 this year in its editions saying the NIA had undertaken countrywide raids and scrutinizing records of 350 traders in Delhi & J & K. At that time, the NIA estimated that the hawala racket could be of the order of Rs 300 crores. Top sources have now told Lokmat that the hawala scam could be of the order of Rs 1000 crores.

The NIA submitted detailed report listing how hundreds of cores of rupees reached terrorist groups and stone pelters in the Valley thanks to the “Barter-Trade” route. The NIA said the barter-trade generated more than Rs 3000 crores in cash and at least Rs 1000 crores of this amount had gone to the kashmiri militants and their patterns which included Hurriyat leaders. The NIA submitted a detailed account of money-trail beginning with traders on the borders to traders in Delhi and major cities and how money re-routed to Hurriyat leaders and Kashmiri militants. The NIA also gave detailed account of how bank channels were used for over-invoicing and under-invoicing and went on unchecked for nearly eight years.

It said that terror funding by LeT, JeM and other outfits and the alleged transfer of cross-LoC trade proceeds are "interlinked". It gave clinching evidence to the MHA how large amount exchanged through import and export of goods has been ultimately used to foment "civil unrest" in Kashmir. The NIA suspects that some traders even provide trucks to hide arms and ammunition smuggled from Pakistan.

It is learnt that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh who undertook 4-day visit to J & K discussed this issue with the state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also as she had urged the Prime Minister that Barter-Trade agreement should not be scrapped.

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A new code of conduct for guvs!

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive report 

A new code of conduct for Governors !

Modi wants Governors play active role in society

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, May 23

If all goes as per plan in the government, Governors in 29 states will have a new code of conduct in place.

Though there already exists a code of conduct for Governors as laid down in the Constitution and also evolved during annual meeting of the Governors & Lt. Governors held under the aegis of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

It now transpires that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working on a new Code of Conduct for Governors as he feels that Governors should play a more active role in the society since he is a non-political person. Modi is of the opinion that governor being the representative of the State is an ideal person to help in projecting the right image of the political class. Since most of the Governors are the appointees of the ruling political party, they invariably carry a political legacy. Therefore, their conduct in public and private has to be an example for the society. Modi is of the firm view that Governor Houses cannot be places of recreation and live life king size.

If some of the Governors are playing a more active role on social media network highlighting their contribution in various welfare activities, its because of the proddingof the Prime Minister.

  

Modi is reported to have also discussed the issue with some of the Governors and top party functionaries. Amongst the NDA appointed governors, Modi is highly appreciative of UP Governor Ram Naik. He is senior-most amongst the Governors appointed by the NDA and a party veteran. But he is extremely active in social functions, activities of the NGOs, interactions with the various professional groups, and other activities.,

He feels that Governors may be holding a Constitutional post and they may not directly be under the government and have no political role. But in essence they are representative of the ruling party. Therefore, anything they do will have a bearing on the ruling party.

During his interaction with some of the governors Modi asked if they have been visiting universities, colleges and interacting with the students of various age groups separately. He asked Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind if he had gone to the Chhat Puja in his state. When Kovind replied that he didn’t, Modi said if he had gone for it, he would have got people’s appreciation. It was a non-political function. Modi wants governors to attend sports events. Modi feels that Governors should play a pro-active role to enhance the credibility ofthe Centre. He wants Governors to do some thinking and set an example.

Though there are five states where governors are yet to be appointed and dual charge if being held by one Governor. Padmanabha acharya (Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland), E S Laxmin Narasimhan (AP & Telangana), Vidyasagar Rao (Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu), Banwarilal Purohit (Meghalaya and  Assam) and Om Prakash Kohli Gujrat Gujrat & Madhya Pradesh).

N N Vohra in Jammu & Kashmir is also on extended term while the term of Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil in Sikkim  is ending. Modi is now taking his time in selecting new governors and in no hurry to fill vacancies.

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Dineshwar Sharma to to be New Assam Interlocutor

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Dineshwar Sharma to to be New Assam Interlocutor

No extension to P C Haldar

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 30, 2017

Former Director of Intelligence Bureau Dineshwar Sharma may be the new Interlocutor for Assam.

Sharma who is considered close to the Modi dispensation as he served IB Chief for two years, is being appointed as Assam’s new interlocutor. Sharma will replace P C Haldar who was also a former IB Director under the UPA government of Manmohan Singh.

The Modi government has decided not to grant further extension to P C Haldar for peace talks in Assam. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) wanted to hold further peace talks with ULFA and other factions on its own. Haldar, a 1970-batch IPS officer who was IB director between 2007 and 2009, was appointed as Assam interlocutor in 2009 and remains in the post for more than seven years. His term ended on December 31, 2016.

MHA officials said that orders were issued early this month informing Haldar that the “competent authority has decided not to extend the term of the interlocutor”. He was directed by the MHA to submit the representations received from various factions till December 30, 2016, the officials said.

Sources said that though the BJP government has come to power in Assam, the Centre plans to continue the dialogue process with the fringe groups. There were also demands from some factions of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (P) to remove Haldar.

Earlier, the Narendra Modi government got top ULFA leader Anup Chetia extradited from Bangladesh who was released on bail ahead of Assembly polls in Assam. According to the MHA, Haldar held consultations with Dima Halam Daogah (Jewel), United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS) and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), and in 2011 was key to the tripartite Memorandum of Settlement (MoS) signed between the central government, government of Assam and UPDS that aimed to provide enhanced autonomy for Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Assam and a special package for speedier socio-economic and educational development of the area for which the council was set up.

Talks between the Centre and ULFA were on hold for a while in 2016 due to the impending Supreme Court judgment on petitions seeking 1951 as the cut-off year for citizenship of people residing in Assam instead of 1971 as per the Assam Accord. The case is currently being monitored by the Supreme Court.

Modi deputes AG Rohatagi to represent India in Geneva

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 29

  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has done it what none of his predecessors ever did it. In a rare move that surprised the political & bureaucratic world, Modi deputed Attorney General of India Mukul Rohtagi to represent India at the International Human Rights conference to be held in Geneva.

Normally, a senior minister of the government or bureaucrats in the Ministry of External or Home affairs are deputed to represent the country at the crucial Human Rights conference organized by the United Nations. Since India is always under attack for human rights violations, seasoned politicians and diplomats are sent.

But Modi picked up Mukul Rohtagi to represent India for the international conference in Geneva beginning May 2. The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States. The 27^th  session of the Human Rights Council's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Working Group will be held in Geneva from 1 to 12 May. The Human Rights situation is under review by the Council in all 193 UN member States and crucial for India considering the situation in J &K and  Naxal-hit areas.

  

It transpires that Modi decided to send Rohtagi not only to  strongly defend India at the international body but also to stress the need for the global community to realize the dangers of terrorism and how it will engulf the humanity itself.

Since Rohtagi has been defending the government at various forums including the Supreme Court, the PM was immensely impressed by his forthright approach in expressing the government view.

Though eyebrows have been raised in the government over Modi’s decision. But it is realised by knowledgeable persons in the government that he is the best person to represent India under the present circumstances.

Rohtagi has also been given a free hand to pick his own team of delegation. Instead of a huge delegation, Rohtagi is taking along handful of members.

AIADMK to support BJP’s presidential candidate

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

A Lokmat Exclusive report

AIADMK to support BJP’s presidential candidate

Modi gets shot in the arm;  Dy Speaker Thambidurai key negotiator

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 24

The BJP is set to get a shot in its arm as the AIADMK in Tamil Nadu has signaled its support to NDA’s presidential nominee.

Irrespective of infighting within the two AIADMK camps and current negotiations to resolve the crisis, the ruling dispensation has communicated to the BJP that it will support its candidate in the Presidential polls to be held in July this year.

  

The AIADMK’s signal of support has given the BJP big comfort as the ruling NDA is still short of 25000 popular votes to get its own candidate elected. Though Opposition parties are fragmented and still working out modalities to come together to filed a common candidate. But they have to get the support of several regional ruling parties in states including AIADMK, TRS, BJD, TMC etc. Amongst these non-BJP parties, the AIADM is crucial as it has 135 MLAs and 50 MPs in parliament constituting almost 60,000 popular votes. The electorate for presidential polls comprises of 11 lakh plus votes and the NDA has 5.25 lakh votes. Therefore, the complete support for the NDA will give a big boost to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.

  

It transpires that Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha M Thambidurai had a meeting with the Prime Minister and the BJP Amit Shah as well. Unconfirmed report suggested that he conveyed to the BJP leaders that the ruling AIADMK KPS camp having the support of 123 MLAs and 50 MPs in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha will support the NDA’s presidential candidate. The AIADMK (OPS) having 12 MLAs is already backing the BJP. The AIADMK is rather keen to formally join the NDA, these sources say. After the death of Jayalalitha, there is no leader worth a salt in the AIADMK who has national ambitions. The OPS camp is already close to the Centre and the ruling KPS camp wants a patch up to get the two leaves symbol de-frozen.

However, the BJP leadership is in no hurry to admit the AIADMK despite pressure from M Thambidurai. The AIADMK MPs have virtually no role despite having the biggest contingent in parliament. The AIADMK leaders are keen to join the Modi government and share power. It is learnt that formal announcement by the AIADMK will be made sometime next month once formula is worked out.

NCP may join Congress-led Front Sharad Pawar to be its Convener

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive report 

NCP may join Congress-led Front Sharad Pawar to be its Convener

Nitish, Yechury, Gowda, Mamata agree

  

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 21

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is seriously considering a proposal to join a front of like-minded Opposition parties. The NCP which quit the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) three years ago, is being wooed by the Congress, CPM and the Janata Dal leadership to play a pivotal role in this hour of crisis and strengthen Opposition parties.

According to indications available here one of the suggestions doing the rounds is that instead of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), a new joint front be formed of like-minded secular parties. This front should be formed early so that enough time is available to put up a credible challenge to the BJP before 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

It is also suggested that  Sharad Pawar be made Convener of this Joint front. Of course, Sonia Gandhi will be named chairperson of this new outfit and Nitish Kumar will also hold a key position in this proposed outfit.

If reports are to be believed, Sonia Gandhi is keen that Sharad Pawar play pivotal role in bringing all Opposition parties together as he has the capability to do so. Though some senior Congress Party leaders were trying to put a spanner in the move. But Sonia Gandhi snubbed them saying that the country was facing a grave crisis and unity of the Opposition parties is needed.

When asked Praful Patel told Lokmat, “ We are talking and various proposals are over the table. I have nothing more to say on the issue as of now. Let’s see”

Sitaram Yechury was also guarded in his comments and said, “ we are working to bring all like-minded forces together.”

However, the NCP leaders told categorically that Opposition unity should not be one-shot affair (for President’s polls). But it has to be with a long term perspective and unity should be with open mind and heart. Obviously, the NCP leadership is hurt that the Gandhis never trusted Pawar.

However, times have changed and it was Congress vice President Rahul Gandhi who had taken the first initiative in March itself when he drove down to the residence of Sharad Pawar signaling that a “thaw” is possible after the two parties parted company three years ago. Later, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury held a meeting with Pawar and Praful Patel.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who met Sonia Gandhi yesterday, emphasized the creation of a new front. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, CPI leader D Raja and others have met Sonia Gandhi recently. Mamata Banerjee flew down to Bhuvneshwar to meet the Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to explore possibility to have a working relationship to strengthen the Opposition because Congress is the principal Opposition party in the state. Janata Dal (U) general secretary K C Tyagi is going to Bengaluru to meet Janata Dal (S) leader H D Deve Gowda on Saturday.

Prez Polls: Oppn may field Sharad Yadav

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exclusive  News Report 

President’s poll :  Opposition may field Sharad Yadav as its candidate

  

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 11

With the BJP mobilizing its 33 allies to get its own Presidential candidate elected in the polls slated for July this year, the Opposition parties have also geared up to field a “common candidate” against the BJP nominee.

  

Janata Dal (U) leader Sharad Yadav’s name has emerged as a consensus candidate for the President’s post. Highly placed sources say that a preliminary discussion has already been held in this regard between Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury. Both leaders felt that the Opposition parties should together field a candidate for the President’s post where the BJP is still short of a majority. It was also stressed that if most of the small & regional parties like TMC, Biju Janata Dal, TRS, YSR (Congress), JD (S), JMM, DMK & AIADMK and others come together,  the Opposition candidate can emerge victorious. It was Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who first spoke to Sitaram Yechury in this regard and he held informal talks with the Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and then met Rahul Gandhi. The RJD leader, Lalu Prasad Yadav is also supportive of the idea of putting up a joint candidate.

Though Sharad Yadav’s name has not been finalized as yet. But considering the prevailing political situation in the country, a candidate has to be either from backward or scheduled caste or scheduled tribe community. Though the Congress Party was initially of the opinion that Vice President Dr Hamid Ansari be put up for the post of President as a joint Opposition candidate. But it was felt that the candidate should be outside the Congress Party if Opposition unity is to be achieved.

The NCP leaders have also been sounded in this regard and they have shown their inclination to support Sharad Yadav for the post. The Opposition parties are aware that the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are have already roped in 33 political parties across the country in the NDA and expanding their base. The NDA already has 48% of the popular votes in its kitty and its candidate will make it to the post unless all the remaining parties join hands in supporting the common Opposition candidate.

But one thing is clear; the Congress & opposition parties won’t allow the BJP to get its candidate without a contest. “We will give BJP run for its money in the presidential poll,” said a senior Opposition leader familiar with political developments.

Modi clips CVC wings

by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group

Exculsive

Modi clips CVC wings

DOPT says it’s a recommendatory body only

Makes it a toothless

Harish Gupta

New Delhi, April 3: 

The Modi government is all set to make the Central Vigilance Commission a toothless body as it plans to bring a new vigilance law. A prelude to government’s thinking was reflected when the Department of Personnel & Training (DOPT) under the Prime Minister relaxed rules pertaining to Vigilance clearance for senior government officers under the  central government.

The significant change was made through an innocuous order buried under the mêlée of notifications issued by the DOPT in the service rules. The new order says adverse observations made by the CVC against officers pertaining to their conduct will not be binding on the department concerned. Until  now, the recommendations made by the CVC against the officers for their alleged misconduct are binding and can be over-turned only by the CVC or the tribunals or courts.

But the government has decided to clip the wings of the CVC in one go and that too quietly. The government is of the view that creation of one body after the other to punish the erring officials has only delayed justice and put road blocks into good governance. In any case, the Prevention of Corruption Act is of 1988 vintage and changes are needed in this regard. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has strongly advocated a new law in this regard.

The DOPT’s new rule stipulates that the department will have the prerogative whether to accept the recommendation of the CVC or not. However, the department will have to keep the Union Public Service Commission posted with the decision in the event of over-turning the recommendations of the CVC. It is clear from the new situation that the it will be for the department alone to ahead with lower level of punishment or penalty than recommended by the CVC.

The department concerned have been empowered to drop the charges altogether and it will only have to inform the CVC that it has decided to drop the charges. In the event of the CVC again deciding to insist on penalizing the concerned erring officer, the case will go to the DOPT  for the final decision.  

An office memorandum issued this month by the DoPT makes it clear: “All cases, where the Disciplinary Authority (of a department) decides to impose a penalty after conclusion of the proceedings and where UPSC consultation is required as per existing rules/instructions, shall not be referred to the CVC for second stage consultation.” The relaxation, however, will not be applicable to officers of banks and state-run organisations.

The DoPT order is significant because earlier, the case of a corrupt officer would be referred to the CVC for inquiry. Once the CVC had given its recommendation either way, the department concerned was supposed to accept it in toto. But not under the new rules issued where the cobcerned department can reject the finding.