Congress says Narendra Modi govt in 'tearing hurry' to look for CBI chief Alok Verma's successor, won't let him function

Hours before the selection committee meeting on CBI director Alok Verma, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma claimed the NDA government was in a “tearing hurry” to look for Verma’s successor. “The events of the last few days have taken the national intention back to the episode of when CBI director was abruptly transferred in an illegal manner because of recommendation of the CVC (Central Vigilance Commission) — which has no authority to do it under law — the Supreme Court has said so in clear terms. The prime minister is arrogant. He thinks he is not accountable, either to Parliament or to the law of the land,” Sharma said during a press conference on Thursday. He further added: “What is the prime minister worried about? What does he not want the CBI to look into? The manner in which the CBI chief was removed abruptly at midnight should be investigated.” In its order, the Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside Verma’s forced leave, but restrained him from taking any major policy decision till the CVC probe into corruption charges against him is over. The apex court said any further decision against Verma, who retires on 31 January, would be taken by the selection committee. [caption id=“attachment_3521337” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File image of Congress leader Anand Sharma. PTI[/caption] Sharma claimed that the Centre will use CVC “as a tool again”. “It’s clear that the prime minister is in a tearing hurry, pushing to look for a successor. Though the Supreme Court has restored the CBI director, they will not allow him to function — that is the intent. The entire process is vitiated. The same CVC will be used as a tool again. Where is the fairness? There will be no justice. The handpicked nominee of the prime minister will be put as the CBI director so that all wrongdoings of this government will be covered.” The Congress MP demanded that the CVC share its inquiry report. “The present director’s 77 days of service were stolen from him. He should get his full tenure. Under the principles of natural justice, the CBI chief should be given a fair opportunity. Also, the CVC report should be shared.” Continuing his attack on Modi, Sharma said, “The prime minister has not shown such hurry in any matter. The question is why does he run away from the Parliament? He is visible everywhere else.” “In Rajya Sabha, they (BJP) did not allow, despite saying that the government is available to debate on the Rafale deal. The prime minister himself is complacent and that’s why he was afraid to come to the Parliament. He avoided Parliament because he could not contradict the statement of former French president (François Hollande).” According to the rule, the prime minister-headed selection committee comprises the Chief Justice of India (CJI) or a Supreme Court judge, and the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha as members. Nominated by CJI Ranjan Gogoi, Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri and leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge had attended the meeting on Wednesday. Ahead of the Thursday meeting, set to be held at 4.30 pm, Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge sought documents, including the CVC inquiry report into the matter.

Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress: Meeting of the Selection Committee (comprising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Justice AK Sikri) on CBI director Alok Verma, scheduled to take place later today. Yesterday, we did not get CVC's report. pic.twitter.com/L5I7JgyY4X

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2019

With inputs from PTI