Thiruvananthapuram, January 5 (IANS). A new political controversy has emerged in Kerala regarding opposition leader VD Satheesan. Kerala Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) has recommended a CBI inquiry against him. The recommendation has been made in connection with allegations of alleged FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) violations related to the ‘Punarjani’ housing scheme launched after the 2018 floods.
The ‘regeneration’ scheme was launched in Paravur assembly constituency in Ernakulam district, where VD Satheesan is the MLA. The objective of this scheme was to provide housing to the people affected by the severe floods of 2018. The vigilance department took this action following allegations that there were irregularities in receiving foreign funds for the scheme. However, the state government has not yet taken any final decision on this recommendation.
Congress party and VD Satheesan himself reacted strongly on this matter. Congress says that this entire action is being taken keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections. VD Satheesan rejected the allegations outright and said that the Vigilance Department has no right to make such recommendations.
He said, “Is this news true? I think it is fake news because they cannot recommend such a case. This case will not stand anywhere legally. Everything related to this project has been done with 100 percent transparency and in the right manner.”
He further sarcastically said, “Tell people that I am scared of all these things. Assembly elections are likely to be declared in the first week of March. If they feel that a case should be registered against me in January, then I have no problem with that.”
At present, the government’s decision on this recommendation is awaited, while the matter remains a big topic of discussion in the politics of the state.
–IANS
VKU/AS
