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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World saw valour, courage of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor: President
New Delhi (PTI): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said the world saw the valour of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor when they destroyed terror camps on the strength of their own resources and asserted that any terror act will be responded with decisive action.
"India has proved that power can be used with responsibility and wisdom. The world has seen the valour and courage of Indian armed forces through Operation Sindoor," Murmu said in her address to both Houses of Parliament, marking the beginning of the Budget Session.
"Our nation, on the strength of our own resources, destroyed terror camps. My government sent a message that any act of terror will be responded to with resolute and decisive action," the President said, amid thumping of desks by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other parliamentarians.
Murmu said the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty was part of India's fight against terror.
"We are also working on Mission Sudarshan Chakra to further strengthen national security," the President said, adding that security forces have also taken decisive action against Maoist terror.
Following Operation Sindoor, she said, the trust on Indian defence platforms has increased.
Murmu further said her government was committed to social justice in the country.
In the third term of the government, she said, work is being done to further empower the poor, and social security benefits are available to nearly 95 crore citizens now.
"My government is committed to true social justice," she said, adding that 25 crore Indians moved out of poverty in the last 10 years.
The President also said the government has been successful in tackling corruption and scams, and ensuring proper use of public funds.
"For India, the end of the first 25 years of this century has been filled with several successes, proud achievements and extraordinary experiences. In the last 10-11 years, India has strengthened its foundation in every sector," she said.
Lauding India's celebration of the 350th martyrdom day of the ninth Sikh guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, and the country's tribute to revered tribal leader and freedom fighter Birsa Munda on his 150th birth anniversary, Murmu said, "when the country remembers the contribution of its ancestors, the new generation gets inspiration, which further speeds up our journey towards Viksit Bharat (Developed India)."
"The country celebrated the 350th Shaheedi Diwas of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. During the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda, the entire country paid him tribute and remembered his contribution to the tribal community," the President said.
"The events related to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel further strengthened the sense of Ek Bharat, Shresht Bharat (One India, Best India). The entire country became witness to how Bharat Ratna Bhupen Hazarika's birth anniversary celebrations filled the country with music and a sense of unity," Murmu said.
The President's mention of the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) scheme was met with loud protests from the Opposition benches.
Murmu said the VB-G RAM G initiative would provide guarantee for 125 days of work, would stop corruption and leakages, and provide a new impetus to rural development.
The Opposition members raised slogans demanding its rollback, even as the treasury benches thumped their desk in support of the scheme.
The President had to take a brief pause amid opposition cries of "vapas lo" (roll back) against the Act that replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
The Opposition parties have been demanding withdrawal of the VB-G RAM G Act and restoration of MGNREGA as a rights-based law in its original form, the right to work and the authority of panchayats.
The government has, meanwhile, claimed that the new Act will further strengthen the guarantee for rural employment.
