The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) probing the bar bribery allegations against Finance Minister K.M. Mani has been given a free hand. “I do not follow the VACB inquiry and the government does not have any apprehension about the probe,” Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told the media after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
Responding to queries about a VACB inspection on the premises of the official residence of the Finance Minister, Mr. Chandy said: “Mr. Mani has not told me anything nor has given a complaint on the inspection by the VACB. I am also not aware of such an inspection. I do not know whether they used tape or coir for measuring.”
About the reported moves for change of leadership in the Congress legislature party, Mr. Chandy said he was not aware of such a move.
On Vizhinjam
Asked whether the government will be able to take crucial decisions on MRTS and Vizhinjam seaport project in the wake of internal squabbles in the UDF, Mr. Chandy said, “Had the government shirked from taking crucial decisions in the past?”
The Cabinet decided to set up a relief fund for the victims of the Nepal earthquake. The government has contributed Rs.2 crore towards the fund and the Ministers will contribute Rs.10,000 each. Mr. Chandy said NoRKA Minister K. C. Joseph was camping in Delhi and supervising the evacuation of Keralites stranded in Nepal.
The Cabinet gave its nod for taking Rs.104 crore as loan from the District Cooperative Bank for the widening of Vytilla-Pettah road for the Kochi Metro.
Two works to construct seawall at a cost of Rs.3.94 crore at Thrikunnapuzha in Alappuzha district to counter the sea erosion were also sanctioned.
Says State has no apprehension about probe
Rs.2 cr. contributed to Nepal fund
