THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The opposition seems to be banking again on bar issue against the backdrop of Thrissur Vigilance Court order for 'quick verification' (QV) on the allegations against Excise Minister K Babu. Mani became the Left's minion as it clamoured for Babu's scalp.
The 'two types of justice' and also differentiation between `1 crore bribe allegedly given to Mani and `10 crore received by Babu were raked up to pin down the government.
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala stuck to his guns that a first information report (FIR) was not filed against Babu since there was no worthy evidence.
The Excise Minister defended himself by asking them to wait for the court findings when the 'QV' will be filed on January 23.
Raising the bar issue afresh along with the the solar scam, the opposition pegged the notice given by K Suresh Kurup and others for moving an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the Vigilance court order into an opportunity to widen the Kerala Congress and the Congress divide and the different tracks taken by the 'A' and 'I' factions in the bar case.
The opposition turned the heat on Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala for the double standard employed to deal with Mani and Babu in the bar case.
He was reminded of the 'Mani Sir is safe' remark, made in the last session of the Assembly as well as justification then for ordering a 'QV' and slapping an FIR against Mani.
After the Home Minister's latest stand after Mani's resignation that only a preliminary investigation was carried out against Babu and there was not much difference with a 'QV' drew flak.
Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan could only see a game plan in Chennithala's stand of axing Mani first and laying a trap for K Babu next. He had no doubt while leading a walkout, that 'I' strongman Ramesh would smile when 'A' faction-affiliated Babu gets the boot from the court. CPI leader C Divakaran even asked why an innocent Mani was asked to resign.
Speaking on his notice, Suresh Kurup, after pointing out the double standard shown in the bar case took up the solar issue, the CD and Biju Radhakrishnan.
He asked why the police insisted on secrecy in evidence collection from Biju Radhakrishnan. Ramesh replied whether the accused should be taken to Puthirikandam maidan instead. He was sure that Kurup, a lawyer, could be the best counsel for Biju Radhakrishnan.
The Excise Minister put up a brave front and established point by point that there was no CrPC 164 based statement against him till liquor bars were closed. Hotelier Biju Ramesh came up with a plan only after that, in collusion with the Left Opposition to floor the government. When he threw a challenge to the opposition on promising to the House and the state that the bars would not be reopened if the LDF comes to power, all remained mum.