Leader of the Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan has said that he will go to any length to block the government decision to withdraw the palmolein import case.
In a statement here on Wednesday, Mr. Achuthanandan said the decision to withdraw the case was taken to help Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to cling on to power. The decision was part of a devious strategy to subvert the judicial process.
The Chief Minister’s role in nullifying the solar case and writing off the Rs.700-crore hawala case, involving his former gunman Salim Raj, was now clear to the people of Kerala, the Opposition leader said.
Mr. Achuthanandan said the recent happenings in the State pointed to the massive influence that underworld gangs had on the Chief Minister’s office.
The revelation that the Chief Minister’s office was offering protection to the person picked up by the Customs authorities for gold smuggling was proof for this.
The Customs authorities had intensified their investigation following information that Jikkumon, former member of the Chief Minister’s personal staff, had strong links with the smuggling accused, he said.
The Opposition Leader alleged that the Chief Minister’s attempt was to cling on to power and destroy evidence taking advantage of ‘remarks from certain centres connected with the judiciary’ which itself ‘behaved irresponsibility.’
Underworld elements could strike deep roots in the Chief Minister’s office because of Mr. Chandy’s stand that he and his accomplices were ready to abet any racket, Mr. Achuthanandan said in the statement.
