Lucknow:
Uttar Pradesh's Power Minister Ramvir Upadhyaya has dared the state Lokayukta NK Mehrotra and warned the ombudsman against provoking him. The Lokayukta had initially ordered a probe against the minister but subsequently gave him a clean chit.
The Minister now says he understands the law and had it not been for his personal association with the Lokayukta, he would have dragged him to court.
"If I hadn't had any relations with him, I would have gone to the Supreme Court and got you removed. Even I know the law. It's not me alone, but other officers with me who are experts in law, who have been judges and Secretaries. They are with me and I told them that I have studied law and have practiced it for 15 years. Mehrotra <i>sahab</i>, don't instigate me," said Mr Upadhyaya.
Mr Mehrotra, however, told NDTV that he does not plan to take action against the minister, adding that it might be political compulsions that compelled Mr Upadhyaya to make those remarks. But the Lokayukta may report the matter to the Election Commission.
Assembly elections are due in Uttar Pradesh in February 2012, and it doesn't seem a happy time for the Mayawati government. The chief minister has already sacked 15 cabinet ministers over graft charges and public complaints in less than a week.
(Read: Mayawati sacks more ministers, toll reaches 15)With Mayawati's BSP MPs walking out of Parliament this week, saying the government is not keen on a strong Lokpal Bill and then ministers of the party openly daring the Lokayukta gives Congress and other parties plenty to campaign for in the poll-bound state of Uttar Pradesh.