UP Minister criticises Lokayukta; EC notices

UP Minister criticises Lokayukta; EC notices

Uttar Pradesh Energy Minister Ramveer Upadhyay may land in trouble for launching a diatribe against the Lokayukta, Justice (retd) NK Mehrotra, as the Election Commission, taking note of his comments, has sought a report from the district magistrate of Hathras.

The Energy Minister, who was under the Lokayukta’s scanner, made some disparaging remarks against the constitutional office on Friday night.

Upadhyay not only challenged the authority of the Lokayukta to conduct inquiry against him but also said that if he did not have personal relations with Justice (retd) Mehrotra, he would have approached to Supreme Court to remove him from the post. He also made some other remarks, undermining the authority of the State’s ombudsman.

However, Mehrotra vehemently denied having any personal connection with Upadhyay and said that leaders often spoke in the manner the Energy Minister had spoken during electioneering. He felt that the Election Commission should take note of the Minister’s comments. Meanwhile, the BJP also joined the issue and demanded that the Energy Minister or the Chief Minister clarify the nature of connection that Upadhyay has with the Lokayukta.

BJP national spokesman Ramnath Kovind and national secretary Kirit Somaiya said that whatever Upadhyay had said about the Lokayukta amounted to contempt of court and the Governor should seek a clarification from the Minister.

Somaiya, who has filed a complaint against Upadhyay before the Lokayukta, said that the minister had threatened to sue him for defamation but had not served any notice on him even after passage of months.