Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Y Patton has drawn Opposition Naga People’s Front (NPF)’s flak over his attempt to replace DGP Rupin Sharma.
The NPF sees the move by the Deputy Chief Minister as alarming due to the present police chief’s refusal to make backdoor appointments in the police department as desired by the former.
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The Opposition party in a statement on Tuesday said the excuses furnished by Patton to the Union home minister are flimsy and clearly exposes his malafide intentions.
It said rather than looking into the number of years an officer has served, the deputy chief minister should consider the performance index of the officer.
Patton on March 28 had written to the Union home minister to replace incumbent state police chief with an officer of “sufficient seniority”, saying the current DGP does not possess the requisite experience necessary for being posted as DGP.
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The home minister, in his letter, sought to point out that Sharma has just 26 years of experience in police service whereas one has to complete 30 years of service to become DGP in other states of India.
Alleging that Patton has a track record of flouting all norms and procedures to get his candidates appointed or allotted contract and supply works, the NPF said his wayward behaviour whilst running the administration was a major source of embarrassment to the previous ministry that led to his dropping from the ministry.
The Opposition party said it is worrisome that a person of such character was tasked with crucial and important department like Home by the People’s Democratic Alliance.
The NPF described DGP Sharma as an upright, innovative and capable officer and said the innovative changes he made in the police department are remarkable.
Further, it said, the DGP had endeared himself to the people through his interactions with them on social media.
The NPF exuded confidence that the officer would ensure rule of law and not succumb to pressures from corrupt powers that be.
It further alleged that Patton is known for nepotism, favouritism and unscrupulous style of functioning and that his discomfiture with such an incorruptible and impartial officer is understandable.
The Opposition party demanded that the PDA government must rescind Patton’s attempts to replace the incumbent DGP in the interest of not only the police department but also the whole state.