The appointment of new lokayukta in Madhya Pradesh has entered into controversy, as Congress leader Vivek Tankha has alleged that incumbent is six years junior to Deputy lokayukta in office.
The State Government on Monday evening issued orders for appointment of Justice NK Gupta, as lokayukta of Madhya Pradesh, as the post of lying vacant for past few years.
Sources said the CM had written Justice Hemant Gupta, Chief Justice of MP HC in September last week seeking suggestion regarding appointment of lokayukta and on October 3, Chouhan received the reply with a suggestive name of Justice NK Gupta. Expressing his consent to the name, the Chief Minister wrote to leader of Opposition Ajay Singh on October 6. To this Ajay Singh gave his consent in writing on October 14 and subsequently the orders for appointment of Justice NK Gupta were issued.
As soon as the orders were issued, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Vivek Tankha tweeted on Tuesday morning expressing surprise over the consent by Ajay Singh without considering seniority of the Deputy lokayukta.
On this, while talking to mediapersons, Ajay Singh said he did not have knowledge about the seniority of Deputy lokayukta UC Maheshwari. “Had Tankha asked him, he would have replied to him, but I would not comment on his tweet,” he added.
State BJP chief Nandkumar Singh Chouhan told medi persons while taking decisions, it is not necessary always that a senior person should be appointed. Better utility of the officer could be considered, he said, adding that the decision taken by the State government is on merits. Meanwhile, official sources said not satisfied with the decision of appointing a junior justice on post of lokayukta, Deputy lokayukta Justice UC Maheshwari has left for his hometown Mhow, along with his family. He would return after Diwali celebrations.