Kerala CM calls his govt corrupt
New Delhi: The deep rifts inherited by the Left Kerala government from bitter factionalism in CPM were laid bare in the capital by none other than chief minister V S Achuthanandan, who in the process of hitting out at rival Pinrayi Vijayan admitted to corrupt elements in his government and how his position was being constantly undermined by them.
Asked if the LDF government was as corrupt as its predecessor, he said: 典here is an indication that the government is nose-diving into corruption. How can you survive for long carrying these corrupt people?鋳 Though senior party leaders refused to comment, a central committee member said the admission will further dent the reputation of the factionridden CPM state unit. However, before the weekend drew to a close, there were signs of damage-control.
In dramatic fashion, Achuthanandan held a second press conference pretty late on Saturday to clarify his position on a tussle over the reinstatement of a police officer. He admitted that his order to reinstate Rishiraj Singh, head of the anti-piracy cell, was not adhered to by home minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, a known supporter of Vijayan.
Vijayan, state CPM secretary, was not allowed to contest the last assembly election after his indictment by CAG in the Lavlin case. But there was a public outcry when Achuthanandan too was denied the ticket, resulting in the politburo reversing its decision and fuelling a bitter rivalry.
Achuthanandan痴 first interaction, supposed to be on deliberations at the National Development Council meeting, was over in minutes as questions veered to Singh痴 removal as anti-piracy head through a fax while he was conducting a raid in Kochi.
When the news broke, Achuthanandan had sought an explanation from the state police chief and asked him to reinstate Singh. The order was not carried out.