Communist Party of India (Marxist) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has said that Chief Minister Oommen Chandy facing judicial probe in the solar scandal case has no moral right to continue in his post even for a moment.
Inaugurating the delegates’ session of the district conference of the CPI(M) here on Thursday, Mr. Vijayan said Mr. Chandy had become the head of a group of “schemers” as leaders in the United Democratic Front (UDF) were helping out each other involved in corruption scandals. If Mr. Chandy had any respect for the post he occupied, he should step down. He appeared to be entertaining the idea that judiciary’s adverse observations in the solar scam case were not applicable to him.
The CPI(M) leader also accused Finance Minister K.M. Mani of following the footsteps of Mr. Chandy in his response to serious corruption charges levelled against him. Mr. Mani had become an “ugly character” in the bar bribery scandal; he should have resigned and faced investigation. Mr. Chandy did not have the resolve to ask Mr. Mani to step down.
Mr. Vijayan said the UDF government’s rule was leading to reversal of all the achievements of the State. The health, education and agriculture sectors were in crisis, he said adding the law and order situation in the State and the financial crisis were worsening. The government was even struggling to pay salaries and pension.
‘CM appeasing RSS’
He alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was trying to strengthen its presence in the State by influencing caste organisations. As these organisations were led by people from the affluent class, their political opportunism would be helpful to the Sangh Parivar. The caste forums were also looking forward to favours in turn.
Mr. Vijayan alleged that Mr. Chandy was appeasing the RSS in the ‘ghar vaapsi’ issue with the government’s refusal to register case against Sangh Parivar activists involved in reconversion activities.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi capitulated before the United State’s interests during President Barack Obama’s visit. The Centre’s decision to forge closer contacts between the defence forces of India and the U.S. would have far reaching consequences, he added.
