The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a walkout in the Assembly on Thursday, stepping up pressure on the government for an investigation into the allegations of land grab and irregularities in construction faced by Transport Minister Thomas Chandy and CPI(M) MLA P.V. Anvar.
Terming the allegations as politically motivated, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserted that the government had not come against any violation by the Lake Palace resort in Alappuzha owned by Mr. Chandy or the water theme park established by Mr. Anvar at Kakkadampoyil in Kozhikode district. He said the government would take stern action against wrongdoers irrespective of their position.
Moving notice for an adjournment motion on the issue, Congress MLA V.T. Balram alleged that Mr. Chandy had reclaimed a portion of the Marthandam lake and misused public money for the construction of a road up to his resort. He said Mr. Anvar had misused his political influence for the unauthorised construction of a check-dam and ropeway. The project was implemented without the mandatory clearance from the local body, Fire and Rescue Services Department, or the Pollution Control Board, he alleged.
Reacting to the charge, the Transport Minister dared the Opposition to come up with proof of any wrongdoing on his part. “I am ready to quit public life if they provide evidence,” he said.
‘Benefit for local people’
Mr. Chandy said he had invested ₹150 crore on the resort that employed 240 people. He claimed that the local residents had benefited from the road that provided direct access to the mainland.
Countering the allegations against him, Mr. Anvar said he had secured all the necessary licences and permits for the construction of the theme park. The project, he said, had provided employment to the local people who were struggling to make both ends meet following the failure of areca nut farming.
Demanding an investigation into the charges against the Transport Minister and the MLA, Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government was hobnobbing with the rich and powerful, ignoring its commitment to the poor and the weaker sections of society.
The UDF members walked out after the Speaker rejected their demand for a discussion on the issue.
