Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala's Left government on Monday rejected the opposition Congress-led UDF's demand to register a case under the Prevention of Corruption Act on allegations regarding "amendments" in the state's liquor policy.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the opposition's demand in the state assembly held here for the first time after the Lok Sabha elections.
The agitated opposition later raised slogans against the LDF government and stood in front of Speaker AN Shamseer's podium and displayed placards as a mark of protest.
Although the UDF led by opposition leader V D Satheesan urged the CPI(M)-led regime to file a corruption case in connection with the issue, Vijayan said a police investigation was already underway.
He accused the opposition of giving fabricated arguments and trying to create the impression that something (illegal) was happening in the state.He said, "As soon as false news related to the state's liquor policy came to light, the state excise minister himself lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police."
He said that the complaint is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken against whatever crime has been committed.
Vijayan asked whether the opposition's attempt was to create hurdles in the ongoing police investigation.
However, Satheesan questioned the CM's claim and asked what results could be expected in the police investigation being conducted on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Excise Minister, who is an accused in the alleged scam.
“Therefore, a case should be registered under the Prohibition of Corruption Act on the allegations,” the LOP said.The opposition will not compromise on this matter and will launch vigorous agitation inside and outside the House raising this issue."
The opposition later boycotted the House proceedings and walked out, raising slogans against the government and demanding the resignation of the excise and tourism ministers.
For over a month, the Congress has been leveling corruption charges against the Vijayan government over its liquor policy and alleging that it is planning to amend it by taking bribes from bar owners.
He had pointed out that the matter was discussed recently during a meeting called by the Chief Secretary and a stakeholders' meeting organized by the Tourism Director, an allegation later refuted by both the officials.
While the Congress-led UDF has accused the LDF government of taking bribes from bar owners to favor them, the Left claims it has not yet held any consultation on the liquor policy.The issue of alleged withdrawal of the 'dry day' policy became controversial when an audio clip aired on TV channels in which members of the bar association were allegedly asking other members to give money for the 'friendly liquor policy'. Were saying for.
The UDF alleged that the Left government demanded Rs 20 crore from bar owners to make a policy favorable to them and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister MB Rajesh.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the opposition's demand in the state assembly held here for the first time after the Lok Sabha elections.
The agitated opposition later raised slogans against the LDF government and stood in front of Speaker AN Shamseer's podium and displayed placards as a mark of protest.
Although the UDF led by opposition leader V D Satheesan urged the CPI(M)-led regime to file a corruption case in connection with the issue, Vijayan said a police investigation was already underway.
He accused the opposition of giving fabricated arguments and trying to create the impression that something (illegal) was happening in the state.He said, "As soon as false news related to the state's liquor policy came to light, the state excise minister himself lodged a complaint with the Director General of Police."
He said that the complaint is being investigated and appropriate action will be taken against whatever crime has been committed.
Vijayan asked whether the opposition's attempt was to create hurdles in the ongoing police investigation.
However, Satheesan questioned the CM's claim and asked what results could be expected in the police investigation being conducted on the basis of a complaint lodged by the Excise Minister, who is an accused in the alleged scam.
“Therefore, a case should be registered under the Prohibition of Corruption Act on the allegations,” the LOP said.The opposition will not compromise on this matter and will launch vigorous agitation inside and outside the House raising this issue."
The opposition later boycotted the House proceedings and walked out, raising slogans against the government and demanding the resignation of the excise and tourism ministers.
For over a month, the Congress has been leveling corruption charges against the Vijayan government over its liquor policy and alleging that it is planning to amend it by taking bribes from bar owners.
He had pointed out that the matter was discussed recently during a meeting called by the Chief Secretary and a stakeholders' meeting organized by the Tourism Director, an allegation later refuted by both the officials.
While the Congress-led UDF has accused the LDF government of taking bribes from bar owners to favor them, the Left claims it has not yet held any consultation on the liquor policy.The issue of alleged withdrawal of the 'dry day' policy became controversial when an audio clip aired on TV channels in which members of the bar association were allegedly asking other members to give money for the 'friendly liquor policy'. Were saying for.
The UDF alleged that the Left government demanded Rs 20 crore from bar owners to make a policy favorable to them and demanded the resignation of Excise Minister MB Rajesh.
