THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: After the CPM, it is the turn of the Chief Minister to dump his former IT advisor Joseph C. Mathew. V S Achuthanandan put it on record on Tuesday that Joseph was removed from the IT secretary’s post following irregularities.
In a reply to a question from K.C. Venugopal in the Assembly on the circumstances in which the IT Advisor was removed, Achuthanandan said: “Advisors will be removed if there are any irregularities on their part or lapses in giving advices.” A major allegation against Joseph C. Mathew levelled by the official faction of the CPM was that he had misguided the Chief Minister on several issues.
The advices of Joseph in the Smart City, HMT land controversy and ADB loan controversy had compelled VS to fight against the party’s stand.
His ouster was in accordance with the recommendation of the Kodiyeri-Isaac commission, which had probed the HMT land row, as directed by the party.
With his statement in the Assembly, VS also echoed the sentiments of the party, at least regarding Joseph Mathew. Reacting to ‘Express’ on the Chief Minister’s comments, Joseph Mathew said he discharged his duties in the best possible manner.
“The Chief Minister should clarify on which issues I gave him wrong advices,” he said.
Achuthanandan also said that the Government was looking for a new person for the IT advisor’s post.