Criticism of institutions dangerous for democracy: Sushma Swaraj

New Delhi, Feb 11: In a veiled dig at the Congress, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday said criticism of institutions such as the Comptroller and Auditor General was dangerous for democracy.

Addressing the inaugural function here of the golden jubilee celebrations of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), Sushma Swaraj said she was concerned about remarks that institutions like the CAG and CVC were impediments in the path of progress.

"This thinking is not healthy. It is dangerous. The constitution provides for a system of checks and balances," Swaraj said.

The inaugural function was attended by President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Law Minister Kapil Sibal and Minister of State for Personnel V. Narayanasamy, besides senior officials.

Sushma: Power in a democracy was in the hands of people

Congress leaders have in the past questioned the Comptroller and Auditor-General's estimate of a Rs 1.76-lakh crore loss to the exchequer in the 2G spectrum allocation.

Party leaders had also disagreed with the CAG estimates on the loss in the coal block allocations.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari had said in September last year that the CAG report on 2G spectrum had a "detrimental effect" on the India growth story.

Sushma Swaraj, who is leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, said the ultimate power in a democracy was in the hands of people.

She said the Central Vigilance Commission Act, which gave the commission statutory status and made it a multi-member body, was enacted in 2003 during the National Democratic Alliance government's rule.

IANS