Oppn sees political vendetta in Mizoram governor's sack

Govt rejects charges saying there are 'serious allegations' against her

While the Opposition accused the Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance government at the Centre of practising “vendetta politics” in the dismissal of Mizoram governor Kamla Beniwal, the government said there were “serious allegations” against Beniwal, and that it was forced to act.

The Congress, which took lead in raising the issue, recalled how Beniwal as Gujarat governor had several run-ins with then chief minister Modi, especially over appointment of Lok Ayukta in the state.

Rejecting the charge of political vendetta, law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “The decision to remove Kamla Beniwal is in accordance with Constitutional principles and conventions with the due approval of the President of India.”

Beniwal was dismissed on Wednesday night as governor of Mizoram, only two months before her tenure was to end.

Congress leaders from Delhi and Rajasthan slammed her dismissal. All India Congress Committee General-Secretary and communication department chairman Ajay Maken tweeted: “If Governor Kamla Beniwal was to be removed, why was she transferred to Mizoram only a few days back? #Vendetta Politics.”

Soon, former Union minister Veerappa Moily hit out at the BJP led government. "This demonstrates the mindset of the present government of NDA... They dismissed two Governors without even showing the courtesy of asking their resignations," he said. Moily asked what impropriety had she committed in the north eastern state to warrant a dismissal without a notice.

The issue found mention in Parliament as well on Thursday, with the Congress and other Opposition parties raising the issue in the Upper House.

Even Rajasthan PCC chief Sachin Pilot hit out at the BJP led government. "Her removal is unconstitutional. It is also a violation of the Supreme Court's direction and it is illegal too," Pilot said, adding that it will encourage enmity in Indian politics

"The manner in which a woman Governor Beniwal has been removed after levelling allegations against her is very unfortunate. Government is showing political venetta. People remember the manner in which she fought for a strong Lokpal in Gujarat, when she was Governor there," party spokesperson Shobha Oza said at the AICC briefing

Facing this barrage of criticism, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu spoke to reporters outside Parliament, "Action against Mizoram governor is no violation against the Supreme Court's earlier judgement. Action has been taken within rules and within the Constitution. There is no politics behind it."

Alluding to "serious allegations" against Beniwal due to which the government acted, he said such decisions are "privilege" of the government. Accusing the Congress instead of doing politics over the issue, Naidu said, "Congress is trying to derive political mileage out of it."

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