Sushma Swaraj won’t file affidavit on CVC

Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj would not file an affidavit in the case related to the appointment of Central Vigilance Commissioner PJ Thomas.

“The Home Minister has admitted that I raised the issue of Palmolein case in the meeting and recorded my disagreement precisely for this reason. Now there is no dispute on facts. Therefore, there is no need for my affidavit,” the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said on Tuesday.

The Centre on Monday clarified its stand as to why PJ Thomas was appointed as the CVC after the Supreme Court questioned why a tainted officer was chosen to fight corruption despite the fact that he had been chargesheeted in a case of corruption.

Thomas was selected in September 2010 by a three-member committee, headed by the Prime Minister, and including the Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

Thomas is accused of sanctioning the import of edible oil – Palmolein – from Malaysia in 1991 when he was Food Secretary in the Kerala government.

The prices paid for the oil were later declared unjustifiable.

Sushma Swaraj’s protest went unheeded during the selection of Thomas.

Acknowledging this, Chidambaram said at a meeting in September, the Palmolein case was extensively discussed by the PM, him and Ms Swaraj.

Thomas’ appointment as CVC has been challenged with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court.