Congress MLAs will meet governor today to demand action in the matter

The opposition in the state assembly staged a walkout from the house on Tuesday, demanding the resignation of minister of state for higher education and woman and child welfare, Maya Kodnani, for her alleged involvement in the 2002 Naroda Patia massacre. MLAs from the Congress will meet governor Naval Kishore Sharma on Wednesday to seek his intervention in the matter and to pressure the government into removing Kodnani and take strong action against her.

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) had filed an affidavit against the anticipatory bail granted to Kodnani in the Naroda Patia and Naroda Gaam cases, in which it had cited the statements of witnesses that said that she had instigated and led the mob in the riots, had fired her pistol at members of the minority community and even provided swords to members of the mob. “Kodnani, being a minister, could tamper with evidence and try to influence the investigation. On one hand, an affidavit has been filed against her bail, while on the other, the government is protecting her,” said leader of the opposition in the state assembly, Shaktisinh Gohil.

He further said it was the constitutional responsibility of the government to ensure law and order in the state. “The government has not acted as per its constitutional responsibilities. So, we have decided to approach the governor and request him to take proper action against the state government as it had failed in carrying out its duty,” he said.

“The Gujarat high court has taken cognizance of the application seeking the cancellation of the anticipatory bail granted to Kodnani and has issued her a notice. Under the circumstances, it is the responsibility of the state government to remove her from her post as minister,” Gohil said.

Shaktisinh Gohil, leader of opposition in Guj assembly

“The court has taken cognizance of the application. Under the circumstances, it is the responsibility of the state government to remove Maya Kodnani from her post as minister.”

DNA Correspondent/ DNA-Daily News & Analysis Source: 3D Syndication