K Raju faces more trouble
Did not inform CM of trip.
Thiruvananthapuram: Forest minister K. Raju is facing further trouble in connection with his German jaunt. He had allegedly failed to inform chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the trip and hand over the charge as per the procedure.
He just before departure had handed over a note on his official letterhead to food minister P. Thilothaman requesting him to look after his ministry during his absence. Official sources said as per norms the minister has first to take the permission of the CM, who conveys it to the Governor.
The government then issues an order spherically mentioning who would be holding the charge in the absence of the minister.
Mr Raju has taken a position that he had left for Germany after taking part in the Independence parade in Kottayam. At that time the flood situation was not that worse. It was only after reaching Germany that he knew of it. Immediately, he took steps to return.
Though Raju met party state secretary Kanam Rajendran on Monday and explained his side, the leadership was not convinced.
He claimed that the trip was with the knowledge of the chief minister and CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran. However, senior leaders of the party are not entirely happy with the minister's version. They said his statement had put the party in a dicey situation.
When asked whether he had sought his permission, the chief minister said, "at the moment we are focussing on flood relief and rehabilitation. We will look into the matter later.”
CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran had on Monday hinted at disciplinary action against him. He told reporters here that Mr Raju had been directed to return immediately, but refused to comment on the disciplinary action. “These are internal matters of the party. I can’t share details with the media,” he said.
The CPI state executive and state council beginning on September 4 will decide on the issue. Sources said the party is likely to censure or warn him for his trips in the times of floods.
Meanwhile, a section in the party demanded that he should be removed from Cabinet for the irresponsible behaviour.