Left condemns AIIMS chief Venugopal's sacking

New Delhi, July 5: Condemning the sacking of AIIMS director P Venugopal, the Left parties today sought UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's intervention, saying they do not approve of the ''Centre's meddling into the functioning of the premier institute''.

Leaders of the CPI, RSP and Forward bloc said this is not the way to treat a prestigious institution like AIIMS.

The onging tussle between Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss and Dr Venugopal culminated in the dismissal of the latter by the Institute's governing body for ''violating the code of conduct of the premier institution''.

The decision came after an over three-hour emergency meetings of AIIMS governing body which was presided over by Dr Ramadoss.

CPI floor leader in the Lok Sabha Gurudas Dasgupta said ''we do not approve of this.. An institute like this should have not been treated such.'' The CPI veteran said the government's action had to be condemned.

''AIIMS autonomy must be respected.'' Forward Bloc secretary G Devrajan deplored that the government was trying to interfere in the day-to-day affairs of the country's premier medical institution.

''It is not a simple matter between the managment and Dr Venugopal... The government must inform the nation about what is happening there.'' RSP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Abani Roy was more forthcoming and harsh when he alleged that Mr Ramadoss was all out to promote his own ''parivar''(clan).

''It is all the more unfortunate that while the Prime Minister is so indifferent and bearing with such a minister, who is so bluntly promoting his family's interests... he did the same while appointing the Chairman of the Medical Examination Board and while setting up an AIIMS-like institute in Pondichery.'' He said Ms Gandhi's intervention was needed to get rid of ''such a mess-up.'' CPI(M) veteran and Polit Bureau member M K Pandhe asked the Government to settle the issue amicably in consultation with the union leaders who are agitating against the sacking of Dr Venugopal.

UNI