Chennithala demands judicial probe into deep-sea fishing deal by removing minister

Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala on Thursday stated that instructing additional chief secretary T K Jose to conduct a probe into the deal between US-based firm EMCC International and Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation for deep-sea fishing is unacceptable. He was speaking from the venue of the satyagraha staged by him at Poonthura demanding a judicial probe into the deal.

“The probe under Jose is not acceptable because he is the secretary and no deal will take place in the state without the secretary’s and CM’s knowledge. A judicial probe should be conducted. If CM is not in the know of things, what is the point of him sitting in the chair,” Chennithalaa asked.

He also alleged that if opposition hadn’t raised the issue, the cabinet would have approved the contract. Government shouldn’t turn a blind eye towards the protest in coastal regions. A judicial probe should be launched after removing the minister, he further stated.

I will not stoop low to the level of minister Mercykutty Amma who alleged I was crazy. She is bluffing when caught red-handed, he added.

The satyagraha is staged from 9 am to 4 pm. KPCC president Mullappally Ramachadran inaugurated the protest.