by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
Special report
Modi wants Forensic audit of Lok Sabha MPs
Amit Shah orders countrywide survey
12 parameters set to assess the performance
Harish Gupta
New Delhi, Jan 7
The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has directed a forensic audit of all sitting BJP MPs of the Lok Sabha before the 2019 Parliamentary polls.
Accordingly, the party high command has set up a special cell to assess the performance of MPs on various parameters set by Modi personally. Irrespective of the seniority, all MPs will be given marks as per the forensic audit or performance parameter set by the PM and implemented under a special unit set up by BJP president Amit Shah. Highly placed sources say that the assistance of select agencies has also been taken to collate the data collected. Since no single agency can assess the performance and winnability of the MPs in all the states, the party chief has short-listed at least six such agencies to undertake the exercise. The Prime Minister is keen to get a first hand report from the party about the performance of each MP on a dozen parameters set by him. The forensic audit will include the performance of the MPs in Lok Sabha and also their political clout and importance in respective constituency. The PM desired that each MP’s performance be assessed independent of his stature, seniority and political weightage.
Though Lok Sabha elections are still 15 months away, the PM wants to have a compact report about his/her contribution under these parameters. Accordingly, the party has begun the first-of-its-kind exercise which will help it to decide on their candidature for the next elections.
The report will first be submitted to party chief Amit Shah who will then discuss with the PM. The assessment report will be on state by state basis and will be submitted by September-October 2018 so that enough time is at hand to take a final call on the candidacy of the aspirant.
The attendance, participation in debates, contribution in committees they were nominated, role they played when on foreign tours on behalf of party or parliament, any major initiative taken, any special ideas generated and in any manner they helped the party to add value to the task assigned.
Since there is BJP government in most of the states, whether the MP concerned has been able to help in the implementation of central government schemes. Whether the MP has helped in popularizing Prime Minister Modi’s pet 23 projects launched during the past four years. Whether the MP has been able to utilize the MPLAD scheme funds in his/her constituency.
In addition, the conduct of concerned MP in public and Parliament will be under special scanner and what kind statements he/she made to the media.
Modi has been particularly keen about the active role played by the MPs on social media and has been critical of them in various interactions at parliamentary party meetings or otherwise. Lately Modi has stopped meeting MPs state-wise as he has completed this round twice. The forensic audit will also find out the winnability of sitting MPs in terms of popularity, accessibility and development works carried out in their areas.
