Vizhinjam controversy: V D Satheesan wants PAC convened

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has denied corruption in awarding Vizhinjam project to Adani group, KPCC vice-president and MLA V. D. Satheesan has asked KPCC president M. M. Hassan to convene high-power Political Affairs Committee to discuss it and clear the air. Much to the embarrassment of the ‘A’ group, Mr Satheesan shot off a letter to Mr Hassan with the request, to which he responded that there was no need for a letter and all domineering issues would come for discussions.

The next PAC meeting is most likely to be held on June 10. Mr Hassan was backing Mr Chandy for the second time in five days on the issue. In Kannur, Mr Chandy responded saying he welcomed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's announcement of a judicial investigation and reiterated that he owns up its full responsibility. “No officials will become a scapegoat on this. I had signed the contract keeping in mind the interest of the state, of course, after seeking advice from expert officers,” he said. "I'm ready to face to face any probe based on the CAG report. The contract followed every legal procedure."

The CAG had found the contract heavily favouring Adanis against the state’s interests as the concessionaires will operate it for 40 years instead 30 which is the standard practice, which would give the company an extra income of Rs  29,000 crore. But the former chief minister terms the CAG figures presumptive and explains that he had to make concessions to get the "dream project" going after failed attempts of more than two decades. But the CAG report has also provided ammunition for the rival group in his party.   Another KPCC vice-president Bharathipuram Sasi said such issues should not be discussed in public but within the party forum. “There are some party leaders like Mr Satheesan who is acting like a hunter as well as the hunted,” he said.