In appointing P J Thomas as central vigilance commissioner, the UPA invited criticism not only from the BJP but ally DMK too as the latter felt the Prime Minister’s Office did not show courtesy to telecom minister A Raja in informing him about the telecom secretary’s new posting.

According to highly placed DMK sources, Raja was not informed about the CVC selection. He apparently learnt about it only from the media. Moreover, no names have been submitted to Raja for Thomas’s replacement.

As the CAG, CBI, PAC and other government agencies are inquiring into the 2G allocation scam, this appointment has created a political storm. Thomas’s successor needs to be an officer with high integrity. He/she will take at least two-three months to understand the 2G issue.