New Delhi: BJP on Wednesday expressed surprise at
the Chief Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas` decision not to
resign but to recuse himself from the 2G Spectrum scam probe, saying the CVC is not appointed to look into minor cases and
demanded that he should be sacked on corruption charges.
"Yesterday I had said that the CVC should not be
allowed to step down but should be sacked. I was surprised
when I heard him saying today that he will not resign but will
recuse himself from 2G Spectrum probe. The CVC is not
appointed to look into theft of government petrol," Deputy
Leader of BJP in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia said.
Alleging that the 2G Spectrum scam was the biggest scam
in the country, Ahluwalia said, "If he will not look into this
scam then which one will he look into. The CVC is appointed to
keep a vigilant eye on any corruption happening in the
country."
Thomas is facing charges in a palmolein oil import case
and was the Telecom Secretary when the 2G Spectrum allocations
were made.
Recalling the meeting of the Collegium to choose CVC,
Ahluwalia said Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj
had objected to Thomas` name in the list of probables and
asked the Prime Minister whether he did not have honest
officers to choose from.
"Swaraj had also suggested that the panel be enlarged
from the three names shortlisted or that another meeting be
held later. When this was not accepted, she gave a dissent
note," he said.
Asked how Thomas could be removed if he did not step
down as the constitutional provisions were rigid, Ahluwalia
said he could be sacked under Rule 6 (3) (e) of the CVC Act.
This law states that the President of India can remove the CVC
if he "has acquired such financial or other interests as is
likely to affect prejudicially his functions as CVC".
PTI
