Kozhikode: Minister for fisheries, J Mercykutty Amma on Monday reacted to the allegations regarding the controversial contract with US-firm EMCC International for deep sea fishing.

Taking a completely new stance, the minister alleged that the media were spreading false information. Speaking at an event here, she asked what was wrong in the representatives of EMCC International meeting with the chief minister.

Earlier she had said that the company representatives only met with her. Following this, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that they met CM and the fisheries minister. The minister confirmed this on Monday.

Mercykutty Amma also blamed the public sector company Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) for allegedly entering into the contract without discussing with the chief minister or fisheries department. She criticised that the officials inked the deal against the government’s policy, in a veiled attack targeting KSINC MD N Prasanth.

“IAS officials should have a minimum amount of common sense and awareness. They shouldn’t think they are in know of everything on earth. What was the basis of stating 400 trawlers will be constructed and who authorised them to enter the deal?” she asked.

The minister also stated that if anyone had acted against the policy of the government, it will be probed.