Congress Leader Pramod Tiwari Demands CEC Resignation
Congress MP Pramod Tiwari demands the resignation of CEC Gyanesh Kumar over alleged contract irregularities dating back to 2006 in Kerala.
In a major political development, Congress Member of Parliament Pramod Tiwari has called for the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The demand comes in the wake of serious allegations regarding contract irregularities dating back to 2006, during Kumar's tenure as a senior official in the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD).
Allegations of Dishonesty and Morality
Addressing the matter on Monday, Tiwari emphasized that the gravity of the accusations necessitates a formal investigation. He questioned the integrity of the CEC, suggesting that holding a high constitutional office requires a spotless record.
"If CEC Gyanesh Kumar possesses even a shred of morality, he ought to resign from his post. Given the allegations of dishonesty regarding contracts during his tenure as an official in the PWD department, an investigation is certainly warranted," Tiwari stated.
The 2006 Kerala PWD Controversy
The controversy is rooted in an incident from nearly two decades ago involving the KSTP (Kerala State Transport Project). The case centers on the alleged suicide of a Malaysian civil engineer, Lee See Been, who was part of the PATI-BEL consortium. This consortium was responsible for the MC Road upgrade project.
Reports indicate that the deceased engineer’s suicide note reportedly named Gyanesh Kumar, who was serving as the State PWD Secretary at that time. While a preliminary inquiry was conducted in 2006, new concerns have surfaced suggesting that the original probe may have been derailed due to external pressures.
Vigilance Probe Ordered by Kerala Home Minister
The matter has gained fresh momentum following orders from Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala. Recognizing the seriousness of the claims regarding external influence, the Home Minister has directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) to launch a thorough investigation.
Key actions taken by the Home Department include:
- File Retrieval: The Home Department has requested all relevant files related to the initial 2006 VACB preliminary inquiry.
- Directives to Vigilance: The Vigilance Director has been instructed to investigate the allegations of external interference.
- Accountability: The probe aims to determine if any administrative processes were manipulated to protect officials involved.
The Home Minister's Office confirmed that the allegation of external influence is a serious matter that warrants a detailed and transparent investigation to ensure justice and administrative accountability.