Congress goes to LS ethics panel for ‘expulsion’ of PMO minister

The Congress approached the Lok Sabha ethics committee, seeking “expulsion” of Jitendra Singh over reports alleging that an absconding murder accused was present at his residence last month.

The Congress has approached the Lok Sabha ethics committee, seeking “expulsion” of Union minister Jitendra Singh over reports alleging that an absconding murder accused was present at his residence last month.

Congress sought “expulsion” of Jitendra Singh over reports alleging that an absconding murder accused was present at his residence last month. (PTI Photo)

In a complaint to the panel headed by veteran BJP leader LK Advani, the party said it is a “serious” matter that adversely impacts Parliament’s dignity. Singh is a minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The ethics committee examines complaints about unethical conduct of a member referred to it by anyone. The panel can also take up suo motu investigation into moral and ethical conduct of any member.

The Congress complaint cited media reports about the presence of Hari Kishan alias Kasooru, a murder accused in the 2013 Kishtwar communal riots, at Singh’s residence in Jammu.

However, Singh dismissed the allegations. “As elected representatives, we are expected to meet any public deputation that seeks appointment,” he said, adding, “This deputation was led by three J&K MLAs, including one ex-minister who came to present a memorandum regarding demand for Scheduled Tribe status.”

Congress party’s legal department secretary KC Mittal termed “unethical” the minister’s conduct in allowing the wanted accused to surface at his residence and getting a photograph with him.

“It is unbelievable that Singh had no acquaintance or familiarity with Kasooru,” he said. “Kasooru is a BJP leader of Paddar, which is part of Singh’s parliamentary constituency, and has campaigned for him. He was neither a stranger nor an outsider to Singh,” Mittal said.