Congress comes out in support of Robert Vadra, demands removal of Justice Dhingra

NEW DELHI: Coming out in support of Robert Vadra, Congress today demanded removal of Justice Dhingra and accused the Commission headed by him of being a "political tool" in the hands of BJP government in Haryana for launching a "malicious witch hunt".

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala alleged that Justice Dhingra has "compromised" his position by accepting favours from Haryana government, raising serious questions on his neutrality.

"Ceaser's wife must be above suspicion. Justice Dhingra, whom we deeply respect, has actually compromised his position raising a serious question on his neutrality, lack of prejudice or bias on account of the aforesaid facts. He cannot continue as Head of the Commission and must either resign or be removed," he said.

"Justice S N Dhingra Commission of Inquiry has become a political tool for malicious witch hunt by BJP government. RTI record and subsequent events establish a political agenda of vendetta and revenge unleashed by RSS and top BJP leadership with the sole aim of keeping the issue alive for muckraking and mudslinging," he further alleged.

Surjewala alleged that Dhingra accepted gift of land for the trust from a private individual, which he said needs to be examined.

Questioning Dhingra's request for more time at the last minute despite having sought two extensions and access to all files and documents, he said, "Suddenly and surprisingly, he changed his mind at the last minute, took a somersault and sought 4-6 weeks time for examination of further documents".

He also questioned the government for granting him 8 weeks even more tan what asked for.

"It clearly points towards a further game of vilification and malice being played by BJP government and its top leadership with Justice Dhingra becoming a willing political tool in the process," he said.

Surjewala said, "Purpose is plain and simple. Let the lies, falsehood, media propaganda and manufactured allegations to malign and defame Congress leadership continue."

Training his guns on chief minister Manohal Lal Khattar, he said, the CM "unilaterally" ordered constitution of Dhingra Commission on May 13 without there being any material available with him on record and without taking approval of Council of Ministers or state Legislature.

He claimed Khattar sanctioned Rs 95.40 lakh for construction of a road requested by Dhingra even when claims of villagers in surrounding areas have been ignored.

"Constitution of the Commission, subsequent amendments in its scope, proceedings of the Commission and conduct of the Hon'ble Judge heading the Commission unequivocally point towards a predetermined animosity and a 'fixed match' with utter disregard for truth or facts," he said.