New Delhi:
PJ Thomas has made it clear that he won't be doing the government the favour it seeks by quitting as Central Vigilance Commissioner.
Mr Thomas has today defended his appointment as the country's senior-most officer in charge of checking corruption.
He maintained that he is clean and his integrity is not under question.
Thomas said there was no Supreme Court sanction to prosecute him, adding, "Bureaucrats often become victim of political vendetta. I was a victim of Kerala politics. Media has tarnished my image. I want to give my side of the story."
Mr Thomas was declared CVC in September last year. The Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj were in charge of selecting the CVC. Ms Swaraj openly opposed Mr Thomas' candidacy on the ground that he had been accused of playing a major role in a scam in Kerala in 1991. Mr Thomas, as Food Secretary, allowed the import of edible oil - Palmolein - at astronomical prices from Malaysia. (Read: Sushma Swaraj on CVC case: Won't file affidavit)
His promotion to CVC has been challenged in the Supreme Court by a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). So far, the hearings in the case have left the government blushing, with the judges repeatedly wondering if Mr Thomas was the best candidate for the job.
Yesterday, Mr Chidambaram said that since neither the NDA government nor the UPA government that followed had given its assent for Mr Thomas' prosecution, the PM and he were in favour of his being made the CVC. Mr Chidambaram agreed that Ms Swaraj had discussed the Palmolein case with the PM and him at their meeting in September. (Read: Home Minister on why Thomas was named CVC)
The government has been repeatedly cornered into defending Mr Thomas and after a controversial Supreme Court hearing last week, sources said that the government was privately keen that Mr Thomas resign. Rules provide that the CVC cannot be fired, he has to be impeached by Parliament.
Mr Thomas has today defended his appointment as the country's senior-most officer in charge of checking corruption.
He maintained that he is clean and his integrity is not under question.
Thomas said there was no Supreme Court sanction to prosecute him, adding, "Bureaucrats often become victim of political vendetta. I was a victim of Kerala politics. Media has tarnished my image. I want to give my side of the story."
Mr Thomas was declared CVC in September last year. The Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the Leader of the Opposition Sushma Swaraj were in charge of selecting the CVC. Ms Swaraj openly opposed Mr Thomas' candidacy on the ground that he had been accused of playing a major role in a scam in Kerala in 1991. Mr Thomas, as Food Secretary, allowed the import of edible oil - Palmolein - at astronomical prices from Malaysia. (Read: Sushma Swaraj on CVC case: Won't file affidavit)
His promotion to CVC has been challenged in the Supreme Court by a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). So far, the hearings in the case have left the government blushing, with the judges repeatedly wondering if Mr Thomas was the best candidate for the job.
Yesterday, Mr Chidambaram said that since neither the NDA government nor the UPA government that followed had given its assent for Mr Thomas' prosecution, the PM and he were in favour of his being made the CVC. Mr Chidambaram agreed that Ms Swaraj had discussed the Palmolein case with the PM and him at their meeting in September. (Read: Home Minister on why Thomas was named CVC)
The government has been repeatedly cornered into defending Mr Thomas and after a controversial Supreme Court hearing last week, sources said that the government was privately keen that Mr Thomas resign. Rules provide that the CVC cannot be fired, he has to be impeached by Parliament.
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