Seeking to scrap attempts to appoint a lokpal amidst the ongoing parliamentary elections, the BJP on Sunday attacked the Centre saying the move would be a “gross political impropriety and violation” of the electoral Model Code of Conduct (MCC), if the UPA Government rushes through the appointment of the anti-corruption watchdog.
Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley said the procedure is legally “suspect” and such “unholy haste” will destroy the credibility of the lokpal even before it is constituted. Reports have suggested that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is planning to convene a meeting of the lokpal Selection Committee on April 27 or 28 to clear the appointment.
“Half the elections have been completed. 26 days remain for the declaration of the results and the formation of a new Government. Is it proper for the UPA, on the eve of its certain departure, to rush through with the appointment of the lokpalIJ Certainly not,” Jaitley said.
Emphasising further against the proposed appointment for the crucial post, Jaitley said, “It would be a gross political impropriety and violation of the code of conduct, if the UPA would rush through its appointment at this stage. Such unholy haste will destroy the credibility of the lokpal even before it is formed. This procedure should be stopped immediately.”
In a blog statement, the BJP leader urged Singh to introspect over this haste on the eve of “certain departure (from Government)”, saying the PM has nothing to lose except some “residual creditability”.
“He must seriously introspect if this unholy haste in pushing a lokpal on the eve of certain departure is implemented, he will only be remembered as Prime Minister who subverted institutions at the behest of his party leadership. The entire democratic system of India is strong enough not to permit him to succeed,” he added.