New CVC Not Credible: Lok Satta

The Lok Satta Party (LSP) expressed its unease, on Tuesday, at the appointment of a controversial person, P J Thomas, as the Central Vigilance Commissioner, even as it welcomed the Central Vigilance Commission's national strategy against corruption, including attachment of benami properties.

Party leaders V Vijayender Reddy and Eda Chennayya told media persons that the Union Government has gone ahead with the appointment of Thomas brushing aside BJP's objection.

The LSP pointed out that the Commissioner, in his earlier post as Telecom Secretary, had opposed an inquiry into the Rs. 70,000 crores 2G scam, and that he, therefore, lacked the credibility to carry out a fight against corruption.

The Lok Satta leaders said that political corruption is the most serious menace the country is facing. They said that there should be institutional arrangements to probe allegations of corruption against all elected representatives, and against officials who connive with them.

They suggested that a Lok Pal or a Rashtriya Lokayukta be constituted at the national level to probe corruption charges against all elected representatives barring the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker and higher judiciary, but including Chief Ministers.

A similar institution should be created at the State-level, and all agencies dealing with corruption should be brought under its purview, they said.

The Lok Satta leaders demanded that a law be enacted providing for the attachment of properties during investigation, and their seizure once guilt is proved in a corruption case. They were optimistic that swift and sure punishment of the corrupt through constitution of special courts in every district will bring corruption under control.

The leaders revealed that The Lok Satta Party is planning a national-level movement against corruption in association with sincere and committed officials, as well as civic society organizations.

Courtesy: INN