After Akbar storm, CBI infighting another headache for Modi govt

Vibha Sharma
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 23

On the heels of the MJ Akbar episode, the current infighting in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is another headache to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Still recovering from the embarrassment over the former union minister being named in the #MeToo movement, the war within the premier investigating agency has given the BJP anxious moments in the run-up to 2019 general election.

It is the second time in 15 days that Modi finds himself in a situation where either way it will be embarrassing for the government.  

The CBI versus CBI imbroglio reflects poorly on the PMO. Modi is in direct control of the agency and whichever way he reacts to the situation, there will be questions over his action and what took him so long, especially when the matter had been simmering for months.

While action against Gujarat-cadre special director Rakesh Asthana will be a reflection on his judgment, it is also not easy to act against CBI director Alok Verma, who has been appointed by a committee.

The amended Delhi Special Police Establishment Act empowers the committee to appoint the CBI director. It includes the Prime Minister as chairperson, and the Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge recommended by the Chief Justice as members.

Apparently, the PMO is considering repatriating Asthana.

The situation is similar to the one the PM had faced in Akbar’s case. It was probably the first time during his tenure that Modi faced a quandary when either way it became detrimental for the government’s image.

As the BJP weighs its options, with “concern and a whole lot of unease” to tide over the latest crisis, all eyes are on the PM to see what he does to restore the credibility of the premier investigating agency, especially when similar bureaucratic wars seem to be brewing in other sections as well.