Debabrata Saikia accuses NDA of demolishing CBI

Leader of Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia on Thursday accused the NDA government at the Centre of indulging in systematic demolition of important national institutions, including the CBI.

Saikia, in a statement, alleged that the removal of CBI Director Alok Verma was "illegal and unconstitutional" and motivated by the Centre's "fear of the Rafale deal".

The central government should show respect for democratic norms and reinstate Verma as the CBI chief, since his two-year tenure has not yet run its course, the senior Congress leader added.

A late-night order on Tuesday from the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet led by the prime minister sent Verma and CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, who were at loggerheads, on leave.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said on Wednesday that the government's decision to remove the CBI's two top officers was based on the Central Vigilance Commission's (CVC) recommendations.