Solar scam: Kerala CM denies charges, LDF steps up protest

Thiruvananthapuram: Dismissing the allegation against him by solar scam accused Biju Radhakrishnan as ‘baseless’, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday told the state Assembly that he has no right to continue in public life or hold any post if there is even one per cent truth in the charges.

However, the CPI(M)-led opposition targeted Chandy and demanded a probe into allegations as they stepped up their protest over the issue, creating uproar in the House which led to its adjournment ahead of schedule.

Chandy, replying to a notice for an adjournment motion moved by the Opposition on the fresh deposition by Radhakrishnan, said he would take legal recourse to bring out the alleged CD and other "evidence" to reveal the truth.

"The allegation, raised by the Opposition, is a very serious one. I have no right to continue in public life and in any post if there is even one per cent truth in it," he said.

"My life is an open book. Levelling charges without an iota of truth is actually a challenge to the society, political system and to the state," an emotional Chandy said.

The charges, made by Radhakrishnan while deposing before the solar judicial commission yesterday, had created a row in the state with Opposition taking on Chandy in the House.

CPI(M) leader E P Jayarajan, while seeking leave for the motion, demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations by Radhakrishnan that a bribe of Rs 5.50 crore was paid to Chandy as part of his solar solution business

Lashing out at the Congress-led UDF government, he also said Chandy has no "moral or legal right" to continue as Chief Minister.

Countering the Opposition charges, Chandy said that "Radhakrishnan had enmity towards this government for farming charges under IPC 320 in connection with the murder of his wife.

"Even though I had to pay a huge price (facing allegations) for this, I am happy that I did justice," the CM said.