No action against Siddiqui, UP govt tells Lokayukta

New Delhi: The UP government on Monday informed the State Lokayukta that it was not possible to take action against senior Cabinet minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui in the disproportionate assests case, choosing to refrain from giving any reason for the same. The State Lokayukta had recommended a probe by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED) into the alleged disproportionate assets accumulated by Siddiqui, a key aide of Chief Minister Mayawati.

So far, the UP chief minister has dismissed over 20 ministers on the basis of State Lokayukta reports.

A case was registered against Siddiqui following multiple complaints, said the Lokayukta, Justice (retd.) NK Mehrotra.

So far, Mayawati has dismissed over 20 ministers on the basis of State Lokayukta reports.

The cases included large-scale manipulation in official work, blatant nepotism and extending undue favours to his family members including illegal allotment of government land, he added.

Among the key portfolios held by Siddiqui are public works, irrigation, housing, health and industries. The minister hails from Banda, one of the most backward districts in the state's poorest Bundelkhand region.

According to the Lokayukta, Siddiqui was accused of amassing huge assets far beyond his legitimate sources of income through misuse of his position as minister.

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