Mauritius Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness has faced scrutiny over his recent private travel to India and Dubai, accompanied by his family and friend Seewoonarain Koonjul, chairman of the Road Development Authority. According to a letter from the Senior Chief Executive of the Ministry of National Infrastructure, Gunness and his companions traveled from September 27 to October 8. The trip included stops in Dubai, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, Chintpurni, Kangra, Chandigarh, and New Delhi.
The letter, dated September 22, requested that the Mauritian High Commission in New Delhi and Consulate in Dubai provide Gunness and his family with diplomatic facilities, including transportation and other courtesies. The itinerary listed specific destinations, including a three-day stay in Dubai, followed by visits to tourist sites in Shimla and Himachal Pradesh. Gunness and his companions also visited temples in Chintpurni and Kangra, and spent a night in Chandigarh.
The use of diplomatic facilities for private travel has raised questions about the nature of Gunness's trip. While the letter described the trip as private, it also requested special arrangements for Gunness and his family to access temples in India for prayers. According to sources, there are no restrictions on access to temples, but the arrangements were made to allow Gunness and his family to avoid waiting in line.
The controversy surrounding Gunness's trip has sparked concerns about the use of public resources for private activities. The trip was not officially commented on by Gunness, High Commissioner Sheila Bappoo, or Foreign Minister Ritish Ramful. Koonjul, who accompanied Gunness on the trip, has also been a subject of interest, having recently traveled with Gunness to Seoul for a private visit.
Gunness's travel itinerary included visits to several tourist sites, including Shimla, known for its natural beauty, and Kangra, famous for its historical monuments. The trip also included a stop in Chandigarh, a modern city designed by French architect Le Corbusier. It is unclear what specific activities Gunness and his family engaged in during their trip.
The use of diplomatic facilities for private travel has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the use of public resources. While Gunness and his family have the right to take private trips, the use of diplomatic facilities and resources has sparked concerns about the blurring of lines between public and private activities.
The controversy surrounding Gunness's trip highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of public resources. As a public official, Gunness's activities are subject to scrutiny, and the use of diplomatic facilities for private travel has raised questions about the accountability of public officials.
Key points
- Mauritius Infrastructure Minister Ajay Gunness sparked controversy over his private travel to India and Dubai, accompanied by his family and friend Seewoonarain Koonjul.
- The trip, which included visits to tourist sites and temples, was facilitated by the Mauritian High Commission in New Delhi and Consulate in Dubai.
- The use of diplomatic facilities for private travel has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the use of public resources.
