The CPI(M) will conduct protests at the secretariat and District Collectorate on April 22 demanding arrest of ministers, who face allegations in the bar bribery case.
Addressing a press conference here on Wednesday, party State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the tainted ministers should be removed from the ministry. “On the basis of the letter given by Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan, there should be investigation against Excise Minister K. Babu. The Bar Owners Association leader has produced clear evidences against Mr. Babu in the case,” he noted. The vigilance has registered a case, which invites imprisonment up to seven years against Finance Minister K.M. Mani, he said. He alleged there was corruption worth Rs. 30 crore in the bar case. “We will not allow the collectorates and the Secretariat to function on April 22. The government is reluctant to take case against Mr. Babu. The vigilance is trying to protect him," he said. He said the opposition would move court as there was no action against those who attacked women MLAs in the Assembly. The Governor’s stand to approve the Budget was against the Constitution, he pointed out. Asked about the liquor policy, he said the CPI(M) was in support of reducing consumption of liquor. “The UDF’s liquor ban in phased manner is meant for taking bribes. The State government’s hidden agenda will be exposed if the bar owners approach the Supreme Court against the High Court order,” he said.