CBI vs CBI has BJP alarmed

Vibha Sharma

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 23

On the heels of MJ Akbar episode, the current infighting in the CBI is another headache for 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 is giving the ruling 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 difficult situation when either way it could be detrimental for his government.

The CBI versus CBI imbroglio reflects poorly on the PM’s administrative capabilities and also his pitch against corruption, riding on which he assumed power in the 2014 General Election.

Modi is in administrative control of the agency and whichever way he reacts to the situation now, 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 put a question mark on his judgment (he has already been accused of ‘Gujratisation’) it is also not easy to act against CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been appointed by a high-level committee. This, even though the BJP appears to be backing Asthana and so is its army of social media.

The committee to appoint the CBI Director includes the PM as chairperson, and the Leader of Opposition and the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court Judge recommended by the Chief Justice as its members.

Repatriating Asthana to Gujarat can be an option before the PM or he can wait for the issue to settle down or a bigger issue to take over. As the BJP weighs its options with “concern” to tide over the latest crisis, all eyes are on the PM to see what he does to restore credibility of the premier investigating agency, especially with similar bureaucratic wars brewing in some other sections as well.

Difficult situation

• Action against Gujarat-cadre special director Rakesh Asthana will put a question mark on PM Modi’s judgment
• It will also not be easy to act against CBI Director Alok Verma, who has been appointed by a high-level committee