BJP wants debate but Congress slams CAG Vinod Rai's remarks on CBI, CVC

NEW DELHI: Comptroller and Auditor General Vinod Rai's remarks on government's decision-making and granting of constitutional status for CBI and CVC has fuelled a political debate. Congress critcised Rai for his suggestions, even as BJP called for a larger discussion.

BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said CAG's suggestions were important. "That CBI and CVC need to be given constitutional status is an important suggestion, and the nation must debate on it," said Javadekar. Congress hit back at CAG by taking a dig at him. Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh said Rai should stop leaks from his office.

"CAG keeps us giving knowledge (gyan). We thank him very much for this. But why does he not put a check on leak of reports from his office," Singh asked reporters, to a question on Rai's observations. Singh said as far as corruption was concerned, "we want it to be wiped out. We are totally in favour of creating a strong mechanism to wipe out corruption and giving a constitutional status to Lokpal for this purpose". Singh, had a few days back, also raised the issue of report leaks from CAG office.

"CAG interim report again leaked. Would CAG instead of sermonising every one please look into his leaky office?" Singh tweeted on November 3.

Rai's remarks drew a sharp reaction also from I&B minister Manish Tewari who said, "if he talks about brazenness in decision-making...he was part of the same government from 2004 to 2008."