The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has withdrawn the ‘general consent’ to Central Bureau of Investigation to conduct raids and carry out investigations on central establishments in Andhra Pradesh. This move is being seen as a direct confrontation with the centre.
As per rules under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act of 1946, in accordance with which the CBI was formed, the investigating agency has complete jurisdiction over Delhi. But it can also enter the other states with the ‘General Consent’ of that state’s government.
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In the absence of the permission now, the CBI cannot interfere with any case that takes place within the limits of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chandrababu Naidu-led Andhra Pradesh government has also vested the state investigation agency with the responsibility of CBI duties in the state.
The Andhra government Order was passed on November 8, three months after it gave the general consent to the CBI to exercise its powers and jurisdiction in the state.
The development comes after Naidu pulled out from the National Democratic Alliance over demands for ‘special status’ to Andhra Pradesh.
In the aftermath, he accused the Centre of bringing down the reputation and credibility of CBI for its own gains.
The move of Andhra Pradesh shutting its door for the CBI is seen as an instance of shadow-boxing between the Centre and state under the federal system, especially when Naidu is pulling no stops to unite the non-BJP parties with the slogan “Save Democracy – Save Nation”.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) spokesperson, Lanka Dinakar, told ANI, “This decision has been taken in wake of incidents happening in CBI since last six months. It lost its independence due to involvement of Modi-led union government which is using CBI as tools against political opponents by means of preparing fabricated statements.”
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was quick to endorse the Andhra government’s decision. “Chandrababu Naidu has done the right thing in saying he wouldn’t allow CBI in his state. The BJP can be ‘note changer’, but it’s not a game changer,” she said.
(With ANI inputs)
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