Shalini Rajneesh, recently appointed as Chief Secretary, met with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot at the Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
As questions swirl regarding Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot’s forthcoming decision on the prosecution of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah due to alleged irregularities involving the Mysuru Urban Development Corporation (MUDA), T.J. Abraham, the complainant in the case, sought a meeting with the Governor to address concerns about his integrity raised by the Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister.
After returning to Bengaluru from New Delhi late Monday, the Governor is currently consulting legal experts and may take additional time to respond, with sources indicating the sensitivity of the situation.
Integrity Under Scrutiny
Abraham clarified that his meeting was pre-scheduled. “The government has neither accepted nor responded to my complaint. They have instead questioned my integrity. The Governor wanted clarity on this issue, and I informed him that allegations regarding my integrity are currently in court,” he stated.
A note from the government following the Council of Ministers’ meeting on August 1 expressed that, “The Governor overlooked the fact that T.J. Abraham has a history of criminal cases related to blackmail and extortion, with the Supreme Court criticizing his misuse of public interest jurisdiction and imposing costs on him. His actions are motivated and lack bona fides, suffering from both factual and legal mala fides.”
Legal Challenge Looms
In related developments, government sources indicated a status quo has emerged following the Council of Ministers’ recommendation for the Governor to withdraw the show-cause notice directed at the Chief Minister while dismissing the petition. “We are uncertain about the next steps. The Governor might seek further clarification, but the government is confident that he will not act hastily. We are prepared to pursue legal remedies,” they added.
Close aides to the Chief Minister noted, “Article 163 of the Constitution outlines the Governor’s discretionary powers, including the authority to invite legislative party leaders to form the government or initiate President’s Rule. However, in this instance, he operates as a competent authority under the Prevention of Corruption Act. While he may not be compelled to follow the Council of Ministers’ advice, any decision he makes must adhere to due process and documented reasoning.”
