THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The report of a party-appointed committee that inquired into the allegations against certain leaders, of accepting bribe for getting sanction for medical colleges, has put the state BJP leadership on the defensive.
The report submitted by the commission, led by K P Sreeshan and A K Nazeer - excerpts of which are in the possession of Express - said BJP cooperative cell convener R S Vinod accepted `5.60 crore from R Shaji, of S R Medical College, Varkala, to influence the Medical Council of India.
Shaji also allegedly told the commission state general secretary M T Ramesh accepted bribe for getting a medical college sanctioned at Cherpulassery.
The report said Vinod admitted to taking bribe. However Ramesh denied accepting money. The report will be a major setback for the party which has been putting up a united face ever since the Modi Government came to power. The party has always been in the forefront of protests against corruption.
The BJP core committee meeting to be held in Alappuzha on Friday will consider the commission report.
Kummanam’s stand crucial
With the allegations of bribery landing the party in a deep crisis, state president Kummanam Rajasekharan’s stand will be crucial. At a time when the party is aspiring to get a foothold in Kerala, the allegations will hurt the party’s image badly. Kummanam, who is known for his unflinching stand against corruption, will be forced to take stringent action against the guilty. Meanwhile, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala have demanded legal action against the leaders accused of accepting bribe.If the state government initiates action, the BJP will be forced to explain its stand regarding corruption.