Thiruvananthapuram: A remark made by Urban Affairs Minister Manjalamkuzhi Ali that DGP Jacob Thomas was continuing in service owing to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's mercy triggered noisy scenes in the Assembly on Wednesday.
During question-hour, Mr A.K. Balan (CPM) alleged that the government was intimidating Mr Jacob Thomas who tried to enforce the fire safety norms of buildings. Provoked by this, Mr. Ali said that it was Mr. Thomas who was intimidating the government. “Mr. Thomas is still in service at the mercy of Mr. Oommen Chandy. Had I been the chief minister, Mr. Jacob Thomas would have been sitting in his house by this time,” Mr. Ali said.
The Opposition created noisy scenes over the minister's remarks and alleged that it was the weakness of the government that prevented it from taking action against an officer who allegedly haunted the government.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader V.S. Achuthanandan demanded that the investigation report on Pattoor land scam should be tabled in the House. Mr. Ali said that he would discuss the matter with the home minister and take a decision.
Master plan required to avert floods
Mr. Ali told the House that a detailed master plan needed to be made for all cities in state to prevent Chennai- model floods. All illegal constructions will be demolished soon. The government would also consider imposing additional tax on those owning a second home in a city.
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