Governor Narasimhan’s action in returning the RTI Commissioners’ appointment file has caused embarrassment to Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy. But he is likely to send the file back to the Governor with the same names, as any revision would only leave a black mark on his government.
In the backdrop of vociferous protests from across the sections against the ‘politically motivated’ appointments to the RTI body, the Governor took the unusual decision to ratify half of the names, and leaving the other half for reconsideration. Despite all the criticism levelled against the government’s list, Kiran apparently did not expect the Governor’s rejection of the file.
In the appointment of RTI Commissioners, Kiran, for once, reportedly was more accommodating than he is known for. He took into consideration the recommendations of his colleagues, ensured that there was ‘social justice’ and allegedly even satisfied the leader of the opposition Chandrababu Naidu by inducting two of his nominees.
However, the Governor rejected four nominees, who are associated with political parties, which means Congress and PRP in this instance. But Kiran is not likely to budge and is expected to send the same names with some explanation on political affiliations or lack of them.
In such a scenario, the Governor will have no other option but to give his consent to the government’s list.
