Govt submits fisheries scam documents to Guv

Gujarat government on Friday submitted documents pertaining to alleged Rs400-crore fisheries scam to Governor Dr Kamla.

Minister of state for fisheries, Parshottam Solanki is an accused in the alleged scam. The government is believed to have stuck to its earlier stand that there was no evidence to prosecute the minister.
The documents were submitted to the Governor following a Gujarat High Court order directing the government to do so.

This was after the government decided against giving a sanction for Solanki’s prosecution in the alleged scam. Gujarat HC had categorically said in its order that the Governor was the competent authority to take a decision in the matter. Political watchers say that the stage is set for another confrontation between Narendra Modi government and Governor Dr Kamla.

The documents submitted to the governor include files related to the alleged scam, minutes of the cabinet meeting where it was decided against giving a sanction, among others. The government is believed to have reiterated what it had told the High Court that there is no evidence to take action against the minister.

The government has also stated that the minister’s decisions were taken in accordance with its rules.

According to officials, the governor will decide within two weeks whether there is a case for granting permission for Solanki’s prosecution.