Lokayukta appointment: Non-BJP front threatens action

PANAJI: Alleging lack of transparency in appointment procedure of Goa Lokayukta, a front led by non-BJP parties today threatened to drag the government in court of law.

"The manner in which former Supreme Court judge B Sudershan Reddy was appointed as Goa Lokayukta is questionable," said social activist Aires Rodrigues, the spokesman of the front named 'Together for Goa', which includes Congress, NCP, Shiv Sena and Goa Su-Raj Party members.

Reddy is to be sworn-in as Goa Lokayukta on March 16. "If the government proceeds with the swearing-in on Saturday, the Front will move the High Court seeking to quash the appointment," Rodrigues told reporters here.

The government has "faulted" in adopting the proper procedure for the selection. The Lokayukta was "hand picked" by State Advocate General, he alleged.

Several party leaders like Congress Goa unit spokesman Sudip Tamankar, NCP state unit spokesman Trojano D'Mello, Shiv Sena leader Rajesh Marathe and Goa Su-Raj Party chief Floriano Lobo were present for the media briefing.

Rodrigues claimed that Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party (MGP), which is an alliance partner with BJP, has also lent support to 'Together For Goa'.