Kalyan Singh roots for BJP, Cong seeks resignation
NEW DELHI/JAIPUR/LUCKNOW: Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video emerged that saw him describing himself as a “BJP worker” and calling for the victory of the ruling coalition at the Centre. The Congress accused Singh of destroying all Constitutional norms by speaking in favour of a political party.
NEWDELHI/JAIPUR/LUCKNOW: Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh found himself in the middle of a controversy after a video emerged that saw him describing himself as a “BJP worker” and calling for the victory of the ruling coalition at the Centre led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“We all are BJP workers and we want the BJP to emerge victorious. We want that once again Modi ji should become the PM. It is important for the country,” Kalyan Singh was quoted as saying on March 23 in his home district of Aligarh. Singh passed these comments while trying to pacify some BJP workers who were unhappy with sitting party MP Satish Gautam’s renomination from the seat. Satish Gautam sought Kalyan Singh’s blessings and filed his nomination papers on Monday.
The Congress accused Singh of destroying all Constitutional norms by speaking in favour of a political party. “The statement by Kalyan Singh has completed destroyed Constitutional morality. A governor seeking votes for a political party is violation of all norms associated with the office and he should immediately resign,” said Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.
Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot, tweeted: “The post of Governor is a constitutional post and in democracy, it is expected from Governors to be non partisan and maintain distance from party politics. It is really unfortunate that Sh. Singh has made such statements which do not suit the dignity of the post he is holding.” State Congress president Sachin Pilot called the statements of the governor unfortunate and against the dignity of the Constitutional post.
SINGH PASSED THESE COMMENTS WHILE TRYING TO PACIFY SOME BJP WORKERS WHO WERE UNHAPPY WITH SITTING PARTY MP SATISH GAUTAM’S RENOMINATION
Governors, who are often described as the President’s eyes and ears in the state, are expected to steer clear of politics. On more than one occasion, the Supreme Court has underlined how governors should not involve themselves in disagreement between political parties and stay away from political controversies.
Former Rajasthan high court judge and a constitutional expert Pana Chand Jain said a Governor is not a party man and is appointed by the President of India. “It’s a constitutional post and Governors should desist from expressing such opinions,” he said. He added that such statements by a public servant including governor are prohibited under election code of conduct.
BJP’s Rajsthan state president Madan Lal Saini refused to comment on Kalyan Singh’s statement. The governor’s house in Jaipur also did not respond.