Confusion Over Cvc Chief Leads To Speculation

The delay in formally announcing the appointment of N Vittal as the next Central Vigilance Commissioner has led to intense speculation in the bureaucratic and political circles.

The appointment is crucial since the post will now be substantially independent of the government. By now, it is common knowledge that Vittal was selected by the committee consisting of Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, Union home minister L K Advani and leader of opposition Sharad Pawar.

However, it is not clear whether the decision was taken when the three met on Friday night or on the telephone, a little before the Prime Minister left for Durban.

According to a government official, only two names were discussed at the meeting, those of T K Nair and N Vittal.

According to him, the panel could not take a final decision that night and the three consulted over the telephone and finalised the name.

Perhaps the appointment will only be announced after the three panel members sign the file.

It is also possible that the panel may meet again after the Prime Minister returns on September 6, and finalise the other names for the multi-member CVC. All the names could then be announced together.