CPI (M)-led Opposition attacks Finance Minister Mani on bribe allegations

Deputy Opposition leader Kodiyeri Balakrishnan alleged that bar hotel owner Biju Ramesh’s driver and two others had gone to Mani’s home to deliver the bribe to the minister. He sought examination of the phone call details of bar hotel owners and government chief whip P C George. As an evidence to substantiate the charges, Balakrishnan wanted to present the CD containing the discussions at the bar hotel owners meeting in Kochi. However, the Speaker denied permission for the same.

Mani said neither he nor his party had accepted bribe from any person. The liquor policy, which envisaged closure of bar below five-star category, was a collective decision of the cabinet. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala informed the assembly that the vigilance probe was on and the report would be submitted in the high court.

While Opposition raised the storm in the assembly, the CPI (M) youth outfit DYFI took out a march to the state secretariat demanding Mani’s resignation. CPI (M) state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan said UDF ministers were engaged in a mutual back scratching in corruption. Going by the parliamentary precedents, Mani should quit and face investigation.

On Monday, LDF convener Vaikkom Vishwan moved a petition in the high court demanding that the Vigilance be directed to register a case against Mani based on the revelation of the bar hotel owner that he paid a bribe of Rs 1 crore to the minister. The petition, which would be considered by the division bench of the court, said the minister should be kept away from the position during the investigation.