E-Paper
PM Modi’s bête noire Kamla Beniwal sacked as Mizoram governor
The sacking order brings to an end the gubernatorial tenure of the 87-year-old Congress leader who battled with the Gujarat government, when Modi was its CM, over the appointment of Lokayukta.
Mizoram Governor Kamla Beniwal was sacked by the Narendra Modi government late on Wednesday, just two months before her tenure was to end.
The sacking order brings to an end the gubernatorial tenure of the 87-year-old Congress leader who battled with the Gujarat government, when Modi was its chief minister, over the appointment of Lokayukta and some legislations during her stint there. She was shifted from Gujarat to Mizoram in July, by the NDA.
The home ministry had sent a detailed reference to the President for Beniwal’s removal citing that she was facing land-grabbing charges in her home state of Rajasthan, sources said.
The ministry initiated the process for her removal after receiving a report from the Rajasthan government. Beniwal’s tenure was to end in October.
The alleged land-grabbing issue was raised by the BJP in Parliament during the UPA regime. The party had also demanded her removal from the Gujarat Raj Bhavan.
President Pranab Mukherjee acted on the reference of the government after seeking a legal opinion on the matter, sources said
“The President has directed that Beniwal shall cease to hold the office of the Governor of Mizoram,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said. Manipur Governor VK Duggal will take charge till regular appointment is made.
Beniwal is the second Governor to be sacked by the NDA after the removal of Puducherry Lt Governor Virendra Kataria.
