THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: New revelations in the solar scandal rocked the Kerala Assembly on Thursday with the Opposition LDF unleashing attack on Chief Minister Oommen Chandy seeking his resignation and creating a ruckus with sloganeering and sit-in forcing the Speaker to adjourn the House ahead of schedule.
Even as the Assembly witnessed a major uproar, a confident but emotional Oommen Chandy termed the allegations ‘baseless’ and said “there are very serious allegations. If there’s even one per cent truth in it, I have no right to hold the position or continue in public life.”
Pointing out that Solar scam accused Biju Radhakrishnan had enmity towards the government, Chandy said the charges were made due to his vengeance. Responding to the notice for an adjournment motion, Chandy termed revelations part of ‘blackmail attempt’ and said Biju should produce the CD containing the evidence before the Solar Commission.
In a fresh remark on the controversial behind-the-door discussion he had with Biju Radhakrishnan at Ernakulam Guest House, Chandy said there was one more person, ‘Sivadas,’ along with him when the discussion was held. He had deposed before the Commission, Chandy said and added that he would not want to reveal the contents of the discussions ‘due to his decency.’
Earlier, seeking leave for the adjournment motion over the issue, E P Jayarajan said a probe should be carried out into the fresh allegations of Chandy seeking a bribe of `5.5 crore. Terming it an extraordinary situation, as it’s the first time such allegations are being made against the Chief Minister, Jayarajan said Chandy has no moral or legal right to continue in power.
Jayarajan’s certain remarks provoked the treasury benches, and later were expunged by the Chair. “When these issues came up, the chief minister first pleaded ignorance. The chief minister tried to protect those involved in the issue. All transactions in the solar scam were centred around the chief minister’s office,” Jayarajan alleged.
Responding to the notice, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said issues related to the scandal are being probed by the Solar Commission. He said allegations against the Chief Minister and other ministers will not be maintainable.
Later, denying the allegations, minister Shibu baby John said he will become party to the ongoing Solar case. He also hinted at a conspiracy behind the new charges which created some uproar in the House with CPI’s V S Sunil Kumar demanding to know who’s behind the conspiracy.
With the Speaker denying permission for the adjournment motion, Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan opened a volley of attacks against the UDF Government and Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.
“I personally wish these allegations against the Chief Minister are not true,” Achuthanandan said. On Wednesday, Kerala had to cover its head due to shame following the fresh revelations. He also reminded Chandy that as a Chief Minister his name is being mentioned along with people like E M S Namboothiripad.
Opposition staged a sit-in in the House raising slogans seeking Chandy’s resignation and a probe into the new revelations. The Speaker adjourned the House for the day after quickly finishing the day’s business.