UDF Leaders Named in Monthly Payment List; Opposition Leader Addresses Corruption Allegations and Assembly Procedure

V D Satheesan, the leader of the opposition, has labeled the income tax interim settlement board’s decision against the chief minister’s daughter as a grave corruption finding. He noted that the income tax department has identified a transfer of Rs 1 crore 72 lakhs into Veena Vijayan’s and the company’s accounts without any corresponding service rendered to CMRL. Pertinent matters could potentially be addressed under Assembly Rule 15, but Satheesan clarified in his media statement that these allegations wouldn’t hold under Rule 15.

Satheesan emphasized that formal written allegations of corruption must adhere to established procedures. The rules of procedure outline a specific process for presenting each issue. Had the matter been presented in the assembly today, it would not have been allowed under the prevailing regulations. He stressed that this issue isn’t suitable for immediate submission but will be presented in accordance with the rules when the appropriate opportunity arises.

An attempt was made to initiate an adjournment motion today. However, Satheesan noted that even if Rule 15 had been applied, it would likely have been rejected. He further explained that attempting to present the matter would have required forgoing discussion of other topics.

Regarding the involvement of UDF leaders in the monthly payment arrangement, the opposition leader responded by questioning, ‘Don’t political parties accept contributions from industrialists, traders, and overseas Malayalees? Is there something inherently amiss with that? Fundraising is common practice across all political parties. The party had granted authorization to Oommen Chandy and Ramesh Chennithala for fundraising activities. Presently, I and the KPCC chief are overseeing this responsibility. ‘All political parties accept donations,’ affirmed the opposition leader.”