Backdoor appointments during Guv’s rule, alleges Cong

“The BJP government is hell-bent on eroding the institution of the Governor by getting all wrong things done through the present incumbent. It is constitutionally improper, politically incorrect and ethically wrong to indulge in such political appointments during Governor’s rule.”-- Raman Bhalla, vice-president, Pradesh Congress Committee

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 7

The Congress has taken strong exception to the political appointments during the ongoing Governor’s rule in the state at the behest of the BJP and described it as a sheer political opportunism of the ruling party at the Centre in violation of all norms and precedents.

Addressing a joint press conference, Pradesh Congress Committee vice-president Raman Bhalla and chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said backdoor appointments of BJP leaders were against all constitutional norms and principles of politics and were unprecedented during the Governor’s rule.

In an obvious reference to the appointment of Hina Bhat as the vice-chairperson of the Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB), Bhalla said, “The BJP government is hell-bent on eroding the institution of the Governor by getting all wrong things done through the present incumbent. It is constitutionally improper, politically incorrect and ethically wrong to indulge in such political appointments during Governor’s rule.”

“The BJP leaders are frustrated after losing their jobs following the dismissal of the government. They are also frustrated over the dissolution of the Assembly and are now eyeing backdoor entry for themselves and their family members,” the Congress leaders said, maintaining, “The new vice-chairperson of the KVIB is a known BJP leader while rest of the members are reported to be close relatives of other senior saffron party leaders.”

The party has sought immediate rollback of these appointments and has asked the Governor’s administration to desist from such politically motivated actions to "save the erosion of the highest constitutional office in the state" or the party would adopt all available democratic and constitutional means to check the practice.