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| Land scam allegations: Taj claims no 'skeletons in cupboard' | | Why is PHE Minister seeking 'interventions' from different quarters….? | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 25: Even as the House Committee appointed by the Chairman of Legislative Council Amrit Malhotra to probe into allegations against PHE Minister Taj Mohi-u-Din has begun its work, the latter by questioning the motives behind setting up this panel and making certain accusations against the move has only raised bigger questions on a larger canvass of the entire picture. Is the concerned Minister unnerved and not ready to face the probe into land acquisition allegations or does he actually find himself on a shaky ground when the probe process has begun….?
In the backdrop of all developments related to Taj's story which he himself stirred lately by certain acts have pushed it further on the centre stage of controversy. Soon after the Chairman of the Upper House announced setting up of the House Committee, Taj not only accused him of having acted upon in the whole matter allegedly with malafide intentions, but also hit out at the chairman of the House Committee, a PDP legislator Murtaza Khan, alleging that he was behaving like a Lokpal.
While one wonders how could the veteran politician make such accusation against the Chairman LC who is the supreme authority in taking any decision related to proceedings and matters raised inside the House. One is also prompted to question wisdom of the senior Minister in labeling Lokpal 'tag' with the chairman of the House panel, particularly in present times when need for such a role is appreciated and felt everywhere and every sphere in the wake of corruption having deep roots . It goes without saying that Upper House and its Chairman has privileges and power. And experts have it to say that the manner PHE minister is behaving post setting up of the panel and initiation of probe, his acts can attract the breach of privilege. However, that is entirely up to the Chairman to decide and assess as to where and under what circumstances it is warranted.
There is contradiction and confusion in PHE minister's approach in terms of the manner he handled this issue from the beginning. He first himself announced on the floor of the House that if allegations of land scam were proved true he would resign from the post of minister. So far so good and a routine response expected from any person under such circumstances. Deciphering between the lines, he in fact offered himself and gave an indication that he was ready to face the investigation into the matter. But as the steps unfolded , one wonders why the Congress minister took a u- turn and started raising questions with regard to setting up of the House Committee.
The highest point in such developments was when Taj Mohi-u-Din shot a letter to the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly MA Lone asking him to intervene in the matter . Now two questions arise in that context -Is there any prudence or is this a well advised move, and second that should the Speaker have entertained and responded to Taj's request and should the Chairman of the Legislative Council, who too has independent powers and privileges be directed from any one outside the House to act in a particular manner …..? Even more larger question remains if there are no skeletons in the cupboard , as claimed by Taj in the matter, why in the first place should he blame Chairman of the LC and chairman of the panel for going ahead with probe process….. and why is he seeking interventions from the highest levels and from different quarters…? Experts are only looking at such steps as moves to scuttle the probe process. What turn this issue takes , however remains to be seen. |
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