BJP demands Lokayukta

Even as the Arvind Kejriwal government is preparing up to launch an anti-graft helpline, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday claimed that the State government immediately assign a Lokayukta and a Deputy Lokayukta.

Besides persuading the Lieutenant Governor to negotiate in the issue, Vijendra Gupta, supposed that the AAP government “is hesitating from appointing the anti-corruption custodian as some of its functionaries are already under observation”.

Mr. Gupta, “It seems Kejriwal government doubts appointing a Lokayukta because four AAP MLAs including Minister Jitendra Singh Tomar, may face disciplinary action as the Lokayukta could take awareness of their matters. The State government fears charge of its legislators.”

The Rohini MLA said that as per the constitutional needs, it is necessary to assign the new Lokayukta within six months of creation of a job. Delhi counts on the appointment of Lokayukta ever since the last Lokayukta relinquished office in November 2013.

As per rules, the Lieutenant Governor appoints the Lokayukta on the instruction of a committee which involves the Chief Justice of Delhi, Leader of the Opposition and a government nominee.