CBI Chief Verma dismissal: Chowkidar’s true colours
Though the Supreme Court had ordered CBI chief Alok Verma to be reinstated into his position, the government has taken less than 24 hours to unseat him through a committee led by PM Narendra Modi. The objections recorded by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge did not make a cut.
Ironically, the government had earlier mentioned Verma was sent on leave following the recommendation made by CVC, which was rejected by the court before it sought reinstatement of Verma. And on the basis of same accusations levelled by the CVC, Modi has transferred Verma. Which means even CVC did not articulate well on the accusations listed out on the officer.
The committee’s decision on Verma transfer was based on the recommendations made by the CVC. But the committee itself has not been able to substantiate any of the allegations it has levelled against Verma, which is largely based on the complaints listed out by the CVC.
There is one allegation that Verma has taken Rs 2 cr bribe from an industrialist, but this is unsubstantiated. The Central Vigilance Committee had said incidental witnesses had to be probed. Though there is a mention of some intelligence leads not being probed during his tenure, CVC has not been able to articulate on them. Three complaints among the 10 complaints have been ascertained, but the others are not substantiated as per the vigilance committee.
Even the veracity of allegations is under doubt. CVC has ascertained the fact that a suspect in IARTC case has not been mentioned as an accused in the subsequent FIR, CVC had observed.
The accusation of Verma unable to check gold trafficking in Delhi airport has been proved partially right. Kharge had argued that Verma should be allowed to finish his tenure while the investigation based on the CVC report is on. He had even said since Verma had lost 77 days of his service, his tenure should be extended by those many days to make good for the time lost.
But the central government was very stuck upon keeping Verma out of the office. The committee said allegations against him had to be proved and he cannot continue as the Chief of CBI. Another Judge has concurred with this recommendation made by Modi. This is nothing but an authoritarian situation. Committee has been reduced to just name sake.
This is a severe blow on the moral strength of CBI. Verma’s transfer is just name sake because the committee had probably even known the officer may not accept a transfer with his service lasting just about a month. As expected, Verma resigned from the post. Instead of slaving before the government, he has martyred his service to save his self respect. Someone like him is the hope of this country.
The whole incident has proved one thing beyond doubt. PM Modi fears the CBI. The people of this country know Modi has ensured Verma does not return as CBI chief following the Rafale deal which has left the government stark naked.
If not for the cover of power, Rafale by now is the major undoing of the government. Verma lost his job owing to his interest in investigating the Rafale deal. Modi, who would take pride in calling himself the Chowkidar, has whipped the CBI with his hunter. If he really was a gatekeeper of this country, why should he be scared of the CBI?
The house owner will really not throw a dog out just because he barked at something suspicious. Instead he would check around his house to see what’s lurking. Looks like Modi has admitted to the misdemeanors, by way of throwing out the investigating officer. This has gone to show the Chowkidar and the thief, to the nation.
The country is taking note of how CBI is being pressurized with Modi and his team continuing to be resistant of any investigation of Rafale deal. Modi is not bigger than the country and its security. He is totally deserving of a punishment if he has favoured a private company like Reliance over state run expert at aviation HAL.
In fact Modi has run HAL into the ground with this decision. Why does he fear an investigation if he has done no wrong in Rafale? The lone choice of proving himself innocent is by allowing an inquiry to take place. He cannot shut the mouth of the constitution and judiciary by misplacing a Verma. Modi would know that soon.
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India, Russia unveil new measures to broaden trade, economic ties between countries
PM Modi bats for bringing peace to Ukraine
New Delhi (PTI): India and Russia on Friday firmed up a five-year plan to bolster economic and trade partnership in the face of Washington's punitive tariff and sanctions regime even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to President Vladimir Putin that the war in Ukraine must be brought to an end through dialogue.
Following their summit talks, Modi and Putin unitedly demonstrated their keenness to impart a fresh momentum to the trajectory of the over eight-decades-old partnership between the two nations.
Besides finalising the 2030 economic programme, the two sides signed several agreements to expand cooperation in a number of sectors including health, mobility and people-to-people exchange.
"Over the past eight decades, the world has witnessed numerous ups and downs. Humanity has had to pass through many challenges and crises. And amidst all this, the India-Russia friendship has remained steadfast like a pole star," Modi said in his media statement.
ALSO READ: India not neutral, it is on the side of peace: PM Modi to Putin on Ukraine conflict
The prime minister, referring to the economic roadmap, said taking the India-Russia economic partnership to new heights is now a common priority for both sides. Modi also said that India and Russia are working towards early conclusion of a free trade agreement with Eurasian Economic Union.
The Ukraine conflict also figured prominently in the talks with Modi saying that India has advocated for peace in that country.
"We welcome all efforts being made for a peaceful and lasting resolution of this matter. India has always been ready to contribute its part and will remain so in the future," he said.
On threat of terrorism, Modi said India and Russia have long been standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the fight against the menace.
"Whether it is the terrorist attack in Pahalgam or the cowardly assault on the Crocus City Hall - the root of all these incidents is the same," he said.
"India's unwavering belief is that terrorism is a direct assault on the values of humanity and that global unity against it is our greatest strength," he added.
Modi said India-Russia cooperation in the critical minerals sector is crucial for ensuring secure and diversified supply chains across the entire world.
ALSO READ: Russian President Putin says India, Russia collaboration not directed against anyone
In his remarks, Putin said the two sides resolved to prioritise cooperation in areas of security, economy, trade and culture.
We are looking at increasing annual bilateral trade volume to USD 100 billion, he said.
Putin said Russia is also looking at expanding cooperation in the energy sector with New Delhi, adding his country is ready for uninterrupted shipments of fuel to India.
We could also talk about cooperation in construction of small modular nuclear reactors and floating nuclear power plants, he said.
Russia, India and other like-minded nations are working towards a just and multipolar world.
