New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS): The AAP Friday alleged that former health secretary Keshav Desiraju was transferred because he opposed the return of Ketan Desai into the Medical Council of India (MCI).

Desai, a former MCI chief, was arrested on charges of bribery in 2010.

Desiraju "was unfairly and arbitrarily transferred" by Health and Family Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad as he (Desiraju) was against the return of Desai to the helm of the MCI, the AAP said in a statement.

Desiraju was moved to the department of consumer affairs. Luv Verma, Secretary in the department of AIDS control, has been given the additional charge as health secretary.

AAP quoted Desiraju as saying in an internal health ministry note: "It is widely believed that all decisions within the MCI are being taken by (a) group led by Ketan Desai.

"There is every likelihood that we will be forced to approve and notify decisions regarding courses, new admissions... which have been made on grounds other than merit."

The AAP release said "the honest and upright (Desiraju) has been removed because of his sincere efforts..."

At a function here Friday, Health Minister Azad refused to comment on the AAP charges.