Thiruvananthapuram:
In an embarrassment to LDF, CPI Kerala state secretary C K Chandrappan today blamed CPI (M) politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for not demanding resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy after a vigilance court ordered a probe to ascertain whether he had any role in the pamolein import case last year.
The CPI leader found serious fault with Balakrishnan for only demanding Chandy to relinquish the Vigilance portfolio instead of seeking his resignation immediately after the special court issued the order.
"Chandy should thank Kodiyeri for his continuance as chief minister," Chandrappan told Malayalam TV channels.
Balakrishnan had made the statement at a press meet without consulting the LDF as a whole on aserious issue like this, Chandrappan said.
The CPI leader also said it was significant that Balakrishnan called the press meet before Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan met reporters on the day the vigilance court issued orders.
Last year, a vigilance court had ordered a probe to ascertain if Chandy had any role in the 1992 palmolein oil import deal in his capacity as Finance Minister in the K Karunakaran cabinet.
The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau yesterday gave a clean chit to Chandy in its further investigation report filed in the Vigilance Court at Thrissur stating that there was no evidence to suggest his involvement in the deal.