#CBIvsCBI: Investigating agency needs permission for investigation in Andhra, Bengal
The state governments of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal have withdrawn general consent from the CBI, meaning the investigating agency can't conduct raids without their permission in the state. The Chandrababu Naidu government took the decision on Friday, and soon Mamata Banerjee followed suit. The general consent was given to CBI in 1989 by the Left government of WB. Here's more.
What the Andhra Pradesh order read
The government order (GO) number 176 issued by the Principal Secretary of Home Ministry of Andhra Government dated November 8 reads, "In exercise of power conferred by Section 5 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 (Central Act No 25 of 1946), the government hereby withdraws the general consent." The consent was renewed on August 3, 2018 to the CBI.
CBI infighting or political vendetta? Why Naidu took decision
While Section 5 of the Act gives powers to the CBI over all areas in the country, Section 6 puts the ball in states' court. Sources claimed that infighting in CBI, which found its way to the Supreme Court too, was the reason behind this decision. However, it could be seen in response to Naidu's escalating tiff with the Centre.
Mamata Banerjee goes Naidu's way, BJP claims power is misused
Following Naidu's footsteps, WB Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee too withdrew general consent. She said, "What Chandrababu Naidu has done is absolutely right. The BJP is using the CBI and other agencies to pursue its own political interests and vendetta." Meanwhile, BJP's GVL Narasimha Rao claimed TDP misused its power to ensure corruption isn't unearthed. He said it was 'grand alliance of most corrupt parties'.
