Hundreds of people from various organisations gathered on Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) premises on Saturday in support of N Devaraj, the head of the Technical Vigilance Cell under Commissioner (TVCC).
Devaraj had opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) on Friday after councillors verbally attacked the TVCC for preparing a report on “unnecessary” sanctioned works which got cancelled.
Anand Yadawad of Lok Satta Party said they met Devaraj on Saturday at his office and requested him to withdraw his decision of quitting BBMP. “There are very few honest officers like him in BBMP. With Devaraj applying for VRS, other honest officials might follow suit. There is a need for such officials in BBMP who should not stop from fighting against such tainted elected representatives,” he said.
Radhakrishna, member, Koramanagala Residents’ Welfare Association, said they were at the BBMP office to extend their support. “If he (Devaraj) is stepping out from BBMP, nobody will oppose, as they do not want him to stay,” he said.
Vijayanand of Citizen Action Forum said, “I am not here to support an individual, but the issue”.
Public Rally to Support Devaraj
A public rally has been organised by Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) on Monday evening at MG Road in support of Devaraj. Speaking to Express, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon, who is also president of the Management Committee of B.PAC, said it is high time that people step out of their homes/offices and join to support officers like Devaraj. “It is ridiculous that councillors think that they can silence honest officers,” she said. She will be participating in the rally and urged public to join the cause. “We are also meeting Chief Minister Siddaramiah and submitting a memorandum requesting him to convince Devaraj not to quit. Also, we want BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah’s extension,” she added.
Letter to CM
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has written a letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday, a copy of which is available with Express.
The letter stated, “We are shocked to learn that under your rule the city corporators have managed to create an extremely toxic environment for honest officers, who, in fear of their lives, have decided to submit their resignation rather than continue their current role.” They have requested the CM to reject Devaraj’s plea to step out of BBMP.
Speaking to Express, Prithvi Reddy of AAP said, “Devaraj is one among endangered species of honest officers. He played a vital role in unearthing the multi-crore scam and he faced threats. This shows that if you do right, no one will support you. In BBMP, councillors are divided by parties and united by corruption. We are here to extend our support,” he said.
They are soon meeting the CM. “We are also meeting City Police Commissioner Jyothiprakash Mirji on Monday to give police protection to Devaraj,” he said.