ECI directs Govt to defer Alina's cabinet induction
PTI, PANAJI | 04 May 2012 20:27 IST
Adv Aires Rodrigues
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and the Election Commission are at loggerheads over the proposed induction of a new minister in the cabinet.
While Parrikar today said he will induct Alina Saldanha in the cabinet, the state chief electoral officer has asked the chief secretary to defer the induction, as it will affect level-playing field for the Cortalim bypoll.
Alina, wife of former state tourism minister Matanhy Saldanha in Manohar Parrikar-led cabinet, is tipped off to be BJP candidate for forthcoming June 2 Cortalim by-election necessitated after demise of her husband.
She was scheduled to be inducted in the cabinet on May 8.
"In my opinion, the alleged proposal, if any, tends to project a contesting candidate which would disturb the level playing field," Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) S Kumarswamy has said in his letter to Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava.
The CEO has requested that chief secretary to take up with the state government to defer the induction, till bypoll is over.
RTI activist Aires Rodrigues had today lodged a complaint with the Election Commission of India (ECI) claiming that induction of Alina amounts to violation of code of conduct.
Earlier in the day, Parrikar, told reporters that Constitution of India empowers him to induct anyone in his cabinet, provided he/she is elected to the house within six months.
"The question is whether Constitution is important or Code of Conduct, which is not even a legal document," the chief minister commented.
Responding to the claim that induction would amount to influencing the voters, Parrikar said, "You have to influence the voter when you are contesting an election. What is an election manifesto meant for? Only issue is that one should not take undue advantage."
Many are of the opinion that Mr. Parikar is a good administrator that doesnt mean he is above the law. Mr. Parrikar forgets that being a CM he has to convey certain morals and ethics while dealing with subject matters having serious implications rather than being so casual and brash. Holding high office he cannot flout rules. He is now portraying himself no less than a dictator which may spell a dooms day for him. There are two points here either he is genuinely hasty in announcing Ms. Alina and wanting to induct her in the cabinet or genuinely not wanting Ms. Alina in the cabinet. WE PEOPLE NEED TO ANALYSE.
Hats off to Adv. Aires Rodrigues, atleast we have someone who can check -mate when the going gets tough.Keep up the good work Mr. Aires.
Adv. Aires whoever calling you as social activists that title don't suit you with the current sitiuation, you should call yourself as political activists as you are filling in the shoes of Digvijay of Congress who most of the time talks rubbish. By objecting the induction of Mrs Alina in the cabinet what are you trying to prove, i could understand that you were a candidate unfortunately you cannot win even a municipal elections.
If you have enough time and want to help than go and help the poor people to fight thier cases in court .
Inducting anyone (MLA or not) is CM's prerogative but in this case, I too think, it's 'the wrong time'. Had it been before 25th April 2012, it would have been a different issue. Moreover, the person who is inducted into cabinet is none other than the candidate herself.
brilliant arguments/ responses by Parrikar. Traditional 'influencing ' the voter happens with money and alcohol right under the nostrils of the election commision.
nothing wrong in inducting a minister under the constitution. Aires, it is high time you get reasonable in your opposition to anything for publicity.
Atleast there is some body who will vote for Adv Aires if he contest for election in Navelim but than he have to wait for another 5 yrs. Bai Martha read the rules and learn more about our Indian constitution which was written by our forefathers before you were born. If you are accusing Mr Parikar of misusing the law than you are at the wrong side of law but morally maybe correct. I wish you could use your brains when congress were in power and especially Mr Churchill your uncle.who have destroyed Navelim and only made money after trying to do the bridges. So pls let CM do his job he knows better than you if you have enough time at your disposal Adv Aires requires a secretary help him to make more problems.