Congress opposes new Lokpal, says appointment politics-driven

 Alleging that appointment of the new Punjab Lokpal was driven by political intentions, the Congress on Saturday strongly opposed the decision saying it will defy the very spirit of the anti-graft act.

Seeking review of appointment of Justice JS Sekhon as the Lokpal, state Congress chief Amarinder Singh claimed that the former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge's "affiliation" with the ruling party is "well known", leaving no doubt that the designation will be "misused" for settling scores with political rivals.

"Justice Sekhon belongs to a hardcore Akali family. His brother Janmeja Singh Sekhon is Akali minister in the government headed by Parkash Singh Badal. Such person with pronounced political affiliations cannot and must not be allowed to head a constitutional body" Amarinder said.

Amarinder said Sekhon was also appointed by Badal as the Chief Commissioner in Gurdwara Elections Commission.

"Given his background which leaves hardly any scope for doubt about his political affiliations and inclinations, it is not possible to expect him to act in a fair, impartial and apolitical manner," he said.

The former chief minister further alleged that the state government violated rules by not allowing the Leader of Opposition to be a part of the process to select the Lokpal.

Justice Sekhon, meanwhile, could not be contacted for his comments over Amarinder's remarks.