New Delhi, June 1 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Wednesday expressed dismay over the decision of President Pratibha Patil to reject the recommendation of the Delhi Lokayukta to remove Public Works Department Minister Raj Kumar Chauhan.

The allegations against Chauhan relate to a tax survey of the Tivoli Garden resort in south Delhi and had created an uproar in the assembly in August last year. Lokayukta Justice Manmohan Sarin had recommended Chauhan’s removal from office.

Calling the decision ‘unfortunate’, BJP spokesperson Vijay Jolly said that the decision will weaken the institution of the Lokayukta in the country.

‘It seems that the office of president has been politically influenced by the Congress. The decision to reject the recommendation of Delhi Lokayukta is not based on evidence but is politically motivated,’ he said.