Narendra Modi appoints panel to probe Cong charges against his govt

Besides probing 15 of the 17 allegations two matters are already in court submitted to the President by the Congress recently,the inquiry commission,headed by retired Supreme Court justice M B Shah,will also look into the demand for the appointment of a Lokayukta.

The commission will also study land allocation policies in other states,along with tax concessions and deferment policies. It will submit its report to the government by March 31,2012,before the state goes to Assembly polls.

The commission,formed after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Modi,would bring to the people the truth about the Congress allegations,government spokesperson Jay Narayan Vyas said. The government is committed to carry out a transparent inquiry into the allegations.

Leader of the Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said the appointment of the commission had proved that Modi feared the Lokayukta. Modi has appointed a commission which has no power,like the Lokayukta, he said.

It is surprising that Modi,who is all praise for Anna Hazare,does not support the appointment of Justice R A Mehta,Hazare8217;s confidant,whose name has been suggested for Lokayukta. Now the chief minister has appointed a commission to cover up his deeds, Gohil said.

Justice Shah,who hails from Gujarat,served as chief justice of Bombay High Court before being elevated to the Supreme Court in 1998. He retired in 2003.