‘State won’t appeal against CBI probe into gutkha scam

The minister, who holds the portfolio of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, revealed that such a policy decision has been taken by the government, while responding to allegations levelled by PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss.

Anbumani has charged that the appeal in the Supreme Court by an individual probed by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) is nothing but a proxy litigation filed at the behest of Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar. Dismissing the claim, Jayakumar said one can’t make such statements without establishing the facts.

“I had welcomed the judgment. It has not faulted the DVAC, while directing a CBI probe citing the alleged involvement of people holding constitutional posts. We have not appealed so far. Nor do we have any plans to appeal. Let the CBI probe the case and nab the culprits involved in the gutkha scam,” Jayakumar said.

“We cannot also forget the fact that Anbumani has been walking up to Patiala House Court, and we all know the reason why,” he added.

On the BJP’s claims that the situation would favour Tamil Nadu in the Cauvery issue after May 15, Jayakumar maintained that it was concerned only about the Supreme Court and was confident that the apex court would not continue to tolerate the non-compliance of its own orders.

“We are not bothered about the Centre, Water Resources Secretary, or the Cabinet Secretary. The Supreme Court as the name suggests is ‘supreme’. SC has its own sovereignty. We believe it would assert its sanctity by ensuring its own orders are complied with,” he said.

To a query on DMK cadre being arrested for protesting Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s review meeting in Virudhunagar, he said action would be taken only on unlawful protests.

On Purohit refusing to accept the petition against the construction of a memorial for late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Jayakumar said the parties were unnecessarily politicising the issue of building a memorial for his leader revered by many across India and globally as well.

When asked about employment opportunities, Jayakumar said the present regime has recruited as many as 2.22 lakh employees in various departments in the past seven years.

He assured that the pending vacancies were being filled as and when they arise in all departments. He also noted that there were about 15 lakh government employees on the rolls for a state which has a population of six crore.