UP says no to action against Siddiqui

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that it is legally not possible for it to initiate action against PWD Minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui on the basis of recommendations made by Lokayukta Justice (Retd) N K Mehrotra.

According to the government,since the allegations have no relation with any decision taken by him in his capacity as a minister,it is not possible for it to legally initiate action. On February 23,the Lokayukta had held Siddiqui and his wife Husna Siddiqui,a BSP MLC,guilty of money laundering and misusing their posts,recommending an inquiry by the CBI or the Enforcement Directorate.

Sending his report to Chief Minister Mayawati,the Lokayukta had sought an action-taken report within a month. The government sent its reply on Monday. The decision comes a day before the sixth phase of polling in 13 districts that have a sizeable Muslim population. Siddiqui is BSPs Muslim face.