EVEN AS Governor Balram Jakhar on Sunday expressed confidence about action against the guilty in the Indore social security scam, the BJP is mulling over institution of a probe in the case as a damage-control exercise.
It is doubtful whether the State Government will take up the matter in the Cabinet as the Governor has directed. The issue is ticklish for the ruling party, as the inquiry committee fixed responsibility on the then mayor-in-council for irregularities. PWD Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya was Indore Mayor when ineligible persons were allegedly given pension under the social security scheme.
Action against him may precipitate a crisis in the BJP, which is in a celebratory mood following the fourth consecutive by-poll win in Pandhana. Vijayvargiya was in charge of Pandhana.
“(Chief Minister) Shviraj Singh Chouhan has promised me corruption-free governance and that the guilty (in the social security scam) will be punished,” the Governor told reporters after inaugurating a seminar organised by Madhya Pradesh Human Rights Commission here on Sunday. He was replying to the question whether the government was shielding Vijayvargiya.
The Governor had directed Chouhan to ask his Cabinet to examine the scam, as it was a matter of public importance and fix responsibilities on the guilty. An Indore court had directed the government to prosecute Vijayvargiya, following which the Governor had sought information.
{{/usCountry}}The Governor had directed Chouhan to ask his Cabinet to examine the scam, as it was a matter of public importance and fix responsibilities on the guilty. An Indore court had directed the government to prosecute Vijayvargiya, following which the Governor had sought information.
{{/usCountry}}Stung by the Governor’s observation, top BJP leadership has suggested institution of a fresh inquiry panel headed by a retired judge. Though this would also prove an embarrassment for the government to some extent, a probe could put the issue on backburner till the committee submits its report, they felt.
BJP sources said party leaders are of the view that if the government avoids taking damage control exercise in time the Opposition might launch an agitation.