Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that government is trying to sell its land in the name of wayside amenity centres. He said that a contract  in this regard has been signed with Overseas Keralites Investment and Holding, a private company under NORKA.

Speaking at a press conference here, Chennithala asked why the contract was signed with a private company when Indian Oil Corporation had showed interest to open a wayside amenity centre. Government has decided to sell the land lying next to a National Highway.

74 percent shares of the company are held by private individuals. The government has only 26 percent share of the company. Chennithala also asked under what criteria Dr. OV Musthafa and Baiju George were appointed as the directors of the company.

The contract signed with the company is mysterious. Government is trying to sell all of government’s land towards the end of its tenure. The MoU signed by the company should be made public. Chennithala also asked about the revenue minister’s opinion in this matter.

Revenue department’s approval is necessary while taking over the land for a government project. However, that has not happened here. Chennithala also asked if the matter was discussed in the cabinet meeting.