THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The bar bribery scam continues to haunt the UDF government in the Assembly,though in different formats. On Wednesday, seeking leave for an adjournment motion on the Vizhinjam project, the Left front insisted that the chief minister respond instead of Port Minister K Babu and created ruckus by trooping into the well of the house, raising slogans during the minister’s speech. The Opposition later staged a walkout protesting against the government stand on the issue.
The Opposition LDF created a ruckus in the House when K Babu - accused of seeking `10 crore bribe from bar hotel owners - responded to an adjournment motion over the rehabilitation package for the Vizhinjam seaport project. Coming to the support of the minister, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy hit back at the Left front, accusing them of deliberately attacking Babu, by raising various issues. Seeking leave for the adjournment motion, Jameela Prakasam said her question was related to the EIA for the project and hence the chief minister should respond. Refusing to listen to Babu on the notice for adjournment motion, the Opposition demanded that the chief minister respond.
Following that, Chandy said he was part of the rehabilitation package talks at the final round only and pointed out that the minister concerned would speak. He promised that if needed he would speak after Babu’s statement.