THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: On the eve of the fourth anniversary of the Oommen Chandy-led UDF government, senior Congress leader A K Antony delivered a kick in its shin stating that there’s rampant corruption in all sectors in the state. The unexpected comment from the senior leader however put the entire spectrum of Congress leaders on the introspective mode.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and other senior leaders soon came out voicing similar opinions.
Inaugurating the valedictory function of the golden jubilee celebration of the Kerala Secretariat Association in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, Antony said “corruption has increased in all sectors... according to the people,” and stresed the need for a concerted effort to fight the menace. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said in Kochi that he fully agrees with Antony that corruption is prevailing in the state. “The government alone cannot check corruption. The public too have a responsibility,” Chennithala said, adding that probe in the bar bribery scam is in the right track.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said the law may not catch up with the corrupt, but they would lose credibility before people. KPCC presdent V M Sudheeran expressed hope that the government will resolve all issues. KPCC vice president V D Satheesan MLA said the government is under the shadow of corruption and the party has directed the Chief Minister to contain it.