Thiruvananthapuram: The state government would have signed the contract which would have ruined the lives of fishermen if the Opposition did not nab the Chief Minister red handed, said Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.

Earlier, the government tried to sell the people’s health for a profit. This time, they tried to sell the livelihood of fisherfolk. But the Opposition caught them red handed on both occasions, the Congress leader said.

Representatives of EMCC International met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who usually does not allow visitors. The CM, Fisheries Minister J. Mercykutty Amma and Industries Minister E. P. Jayarajan said they do not recall the meeting with EMCC. The entire cabinet is suffering from amnesia, Ramesh Chennithala criticised.

On one hand the government praised fisherfolk as Kerala’s own warriors for their efforts during the floods. But on the other hand, the government is taking steps to ruin the livelihood of fishermen with the help of a US-based company.

“If the Opposition did not bring to light the deep sea fishing contract, the government would have signed the it ruining the livelihood of fisherfolk. Now the government is trying to blame the officials for its own actions,” said Ramesh Chennithala.