For the first time since he took over the reins of Maharashtra in October last year, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis’ ‘shock treatment’ strategy for the police brass and high-ranking bureaucrats failed. In fact, it turned out to be counterproductive. Fadnavis had drafted a novel action plan to transfer IAS and IPS officers just before leaving on a foreign tour, so that once the order was passed, there would be no scope for political interference. On five occasions, the strategy worked out well as he was unavailable to make any changes to the orders and the IPS and IAS officers were left with no option, but to accept the new assignments. A fortnight ago, when Fadnavis abruptly shifted celebrated Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria to the insignificant home guards and civil defence wing on promotion, it resulted in a strong adverse reaction in the electronic and print media. Maria’s unceremonious exit stunned the aam aadmi, as despite knowing that he was due for promotion on September 30, the top cop had declared that he would file a chargesheet in the Sheena Bora murder case before the step-up. Though Fadnavis was alarmed by the massive criticism, he did not cancel Maria’s transfer and decided to retain him as head of the murder probe, who but Maria politely declined. But during the seven days that Fadnavis was in Japan after Maria’s ‘promotion’, there was no one to defend his decision and his high-powered media cell too maintained complete silence. Meanwhile, it came to light that Maria’s successor Ahmad Javed socially knew Indrani Mukerjea, an accused in the murder case, and her husband Peter. Now, Fadnavis had no option but to entrust the probe to an independent agency. Sooner or later, Fadnavis will have to explain why Maria was abruptly shunted out.
Shooting from the hip
NCP MP from Satara Udayan Raje Bhosale unexpectedly took on Ajit Pawar and state party president Sunil Tatkare, who are embroiled in corruption cases. Known for making bold and critical statements, Bhosale, without naming Ajit or Tatkare, observed that in a criminal case, it was the responsibility of an individual to remain present before the inquiry officer instead of being represented by a lawyer. After CM Devendra Fadnavis granted permission for an open inquiry on December 12, 2014, the ACB has initiated probes against Ajit, Tatkare and another NCP stalwart, Chhagan Bhujbal. Ajit and Tatkare are under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in irrigation scams, while a criminal case has been registered against Bhujbal and his family for their roles in the Maharashtra Sadan scam. Bhujbal and his family had visited the ACB’s Worli office on several occasions. Ajit and Tatkare too were summoned by the ACB. On the first occasion, when they expressed their inability to visit the office, the ACB sent them a written questionnaire. But later, the ACB rejected their replies and asked them to personally remain present at the Thane office. But the duo did not oblige and were allowed be represented by their lawyers. While BJP cabinet members expressed shock over the ACB’s new procedure, an IPS official claimed that the agency had the powers to grant exemption to a person required for securing information and if there are financial irregularities, then he can be represented by an expert.
DGIPR losing its relevance
As most cabinet members are knocking at the doors of private professionals for image-building, the once-powerful directorate general of information and public relations (DGIPR), often described as the eyes and ears of the government, has lost its significance. Ever since it was set up, the DGIPR has been the link between the government and the media. A well-galvanized network of department liaison officers (DLOs) was instrumental in providing backgrounders, information on cabinet meetings, cabinet members and developmental plans of the government. In times of crisis, drought or floods, DLOs were instrumental in mobilizing crucial information, but now it appears that DLOs too have lost relevance. If a senior liaison officer is to be believed, most DLOs have absolutely no workwith their task being entrusted to private individuals, as no steps have been taken to strengthen DGIPR. The post of director of information and public relations for Marathwada has been vacant for 15 years, while the post of director for the Vidarbha region has lain vacant for five years. A former chief secretary said the organization has failed to keep up with the times and hasn’t lived up to media requirements.