THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even as the Opposition produced evidence before the Assembly that certain controversial appointments in the Industries Department were referred to him, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he was not aware of the appointment of E P Jayarajan’s nephew as the managing director of the KSEI.
CM said as per the rules of business the minister concerned could make the appointment. “KSIE is an establishment which comes under the purview of the Companies Act. As per the articles of association, the government has the right to appoint one of the directors as managing director. As per the rules of business, the minister concerned has the power to appoint; It need not come before the Chief Minister. It hasn’t come either,” Pinarayi said.
Pinarayi also underlined the difference in the response of the LDF and the UDF to allegations. “When such allegations were raised during the UDF rule, they would say ‘there’s no evidence’. If evidence is produced then they would say ‘law will take its own course’. Once it comes before the court, they would say they have ‘trust in the people’s court’. Later, they would say they believe in their conscience. The LDF has not made such flimsy arguments,” he said.
Pinarayi said the Left Government would not entertain any out-of-the way postings. “The government action makes it clear. Jayarajan said he wanted to resign to uphold the moral values. We accepted it. It may be difficult for the Opposition to comprehend the move,” Pinarayi said. He also said Jayarajan had made it clear that the appointments were made subject to Vigilance clearance.
Pinarayi also rubbished the talks that Jayarajan and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had difference of opinion in the matter. The Chief Minister attributed the delay in taking a decision in the appointment controversy to continuous holidays last week.