BJP instructs states to conduct background checks before govt appointments

Following the appointment of Tushar Panchal as the Communication Advisor/ Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the Central leadership of the BJP has advised all party-ruled state governments in a verbal advisory to conduct an ideological background check, including political opinions and previous actions related to the government or the party, of any person before giving them any position in the government. Panchal had announced within a day of his appointment that he would not join the team of the Madhya Pradesh CM.

"The state government gave an offer to an individual for a key position in the government. After facing criticism for his old social media posts, he refused to accept it. But the refusal came after the intervention of the central leadership," a senior BJP leader said. A BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh also asked how someone who has criticized the PM, the party and the RSS can be made part of the government. As per the new advisory, a thorough check of social media platforms of the individual must be conducted, including their opinions about the Narendra Modi-led government, the BJP, the RSS, and their political opponents, before appointing.

"Giving official positions in the government to such individuals, whose opinions against the Prime Minister and the party are available on social media platforms and are known to the public, does not look good and causes huge embarrassment," a party insider said.