PANAJI
Leader of the Opposition Yuri Alemao has questioned the delay in the appointment of a new Lokayukta for the State, alleging that the inaction of the government exposes their rhetoric on corruption.
The Goan, in its Friday edition, highlighted that there are around 20 anti-corruption cases pending with the Goa Lokayukta office, which has remained non-functional for six months since the end of Justice (Retd) Ambadas Joshi's tenure in December 2024.
While the Directorate of Vigilance had, in February, written to the Chief Secretary for shortlisting names of retired High Court judges to select a new Lokayukta for the State, nothing has moved so far.
“The BJP, which gave a 'mantra' of zero tolerance to corruption, appears to be deliberately delaying the appointment of a new Lokayukta,” he said, adding, ‘If the BJP is genuinely committed to eradicating corruption, why the delay?’
He pointed out that Justice Joshi's appointment came after a six-month gap since his predecessor, Justice (Retd) P K Misra, completed his term in September 2020.
“Is the party hesitant to face complaints in corruption cases? Without a Lokayukta in place, pending cases are likely to languish, and justice delayed,” he said.
Alemao said that the BJP government’s inaction on the appointment exposes their rhetoric on corruption as nothing more than empty promises, revealing their true stance on accountability and transparency.
