Gujarat BJP-Congress talking for ‘suitable’ Lok Ayukta?

Even after the appointment of retired justice RA Mehta, the controversy seems to far from our. In a latest twist, sources claim that BJP is building pressure on Congress for a fresh appointment of Lok Ayukta who is acceptable to chief minister Narendra Modi.

If political movements in New Delhi are any indication, it is believed that the Centre may give in to BJP's demand and ask Gujarat governor to 'consider' recalling the Lok Ayukta and put in his place a Lok Ayukta more 'suitable' to Modi.  If this happens, it will be an irony of sorts for Modi, who supports anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare and his movement, but has fought tooth and nail to avoid a known Anna ally, as the state’s Lok Ayukta.

Some of BJP's front-line political leaders in the state and at the Center have confirmed such a move. Requesting anonymity, a BJP leader said, "There were discussions between the senior BJP leadership and some ruling party ministers to find an amicable solution so as to end the impasse. We are not allowing proceedings in the Parliament over the issue," he said.

However, another group of leaders, within the party, question as to why the chief minister who claims to run a clean government be afraid of anyone getting appointed as the Lok Ayukta?

"We are facing such questions from within the party and our party workers. The same is being asked by the people of the state," said another BJP leader.

The union government is left with little alternative as the BJP has brought both houses to a stand still despite the fact that there are several bills waiting to be passed.

The consultation process between senior BJP leaders and senior union ministers is on to find a middle path. "It has been made very clear by the BJP leaders that they want the appointment of Lok Ayukta reviewed, as the constitution is always supreme," informed a BJP leader.

On September 1, Modi had written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the appointment of justice RA Mehta as the Lok Ayukta. Justice Mehta was appointed by the governor without consulting the state government.

Modi had stated in the letter that appointment of justice Mehta by the governor was a breach of Article 163(1) of the constitution. However, developments at the Centre on the issue has not gone down well with the state Congress leadership which is bitterly opposed to any compromise with the BJP on the appointment.