CPM won't protect tainted, Kodiyeri clarifies on Thomas Chandy

Kozhikode/ Kottayam: The Congress has intensified its attack on transport minister Thomas Chandy following the High Court strictures against him. 

However, CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that the party  will not protect any tainted person.  

Oppostion leader Ramesh Channithala told reporters here on Wednesday that cases should be registered against Mr Thomas Chandy under the Wetland Conservation Act.   

“A minister and an ordinary person have two kinds of justice under the LDF rule as the HC indicated,” he said.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had  spoiled his own image by protecting Chandy,  he said, and added  that  Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had  become Chandy’s  counsel.   

“The media should inquire why Kodiyeri is showing such commitment to Chandy unlike in the case  of  E.P. Jayarajan,” Mr Chennithala said.

However, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said here that  the government would assess the legal validity of the case against Mr Thomas Chandy as in the case of the solar scam. “The party will not protect any tainted person,” he said.

Former chief minister Oommen Chandy said here that he was not afraid of the legal proceedings in the solar case.  “It is mere political vendetta of the LDF,” he added. 

Meanwhile, CPI state executive committee member V.B. Binu has also come out in the open, seeking Chandy's resignation. 

While speaking to reporters at Kottayam Press Club, Mr Binu said the  minister's resignation is necessary for saving government's face.  

However, LDF convener Vaikom Viswan clarified that LDF has not discussed Thomas Chandy issue and no one could tag Mr Chandy as corrupt based on allegations.