KC(M) panel to look into charge against George

A steering committee meeting of the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] at Nedumbassery on Sunday appointed a three-member committee to look into the alleged anti-UDF activities of suspended party member and former Government Chief Whip P.C. George in the run-up to the Aruvikkara Assembly by-election.

The committee, comprising Joy Abraham, Antony Raju, and Thomas Unniyadan, has been asked to submit a report at the earliest. The report is likely to be considered at the next high-level party meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on June 30.

The steering committee meeting approved the suspension of Mr. George under Section 28 (1) of the party constitution. The action was taken in view of Mr. George’s continuous anti-party activities and relentless violation of party discipline.

Party leader and Finance Minister K.M. Mani said at the end of the meeting that the government’s decision was to make available Rs.300 crore for paddy procurement in the State.

However, only Rs.75 crore had been disbursed. Another Rs.50 crore would be made available this week.

The Kerala State Civil Supplies Corporation had been allowed to take a loan of Rs.225 crore for paddy procurement, Mr. Mani said.