Thiruvananthapuram: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that he would examine the circumstances under which Chief Minister’s legal advisor M K Damodaran filed a plea for INTUC state president R Chandrashekharan against the state government in a corruption case. The corruption case registered by vigilance pertains to Kerala Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC). Kerala High Court has sought views of Vigilance Department on the plea.
However, Kodiyeri said there was nothing wrong in chief minister’s legal advisor appearing for lottery baron Santiago Martin. He justified Damodaran saying that the senior advocate was legal advisor of the chief minister and not government pleader. “He has not appeared in any case against the state government. The rival party in Santiago Martin case is the central government. In his individual capacity, Damodaran has every right to appear in any case,’’ he said.
CPM had come under attack after Damodaran appeared for lottery baron. Veteran leader V S Achuthanandan who fought a relentless battle against lottery mafia, had expressed his displeasure over the issue. "I fought the case because of which Santiago Martin who was taking away money from here, had to leave lock, stock and barrel. We managed to throw him out," he had stated while reacting to Martin issue. Despite the raging controversy over Damodaran, chief minister Pinarayi Vjayan has maintained silence on the issue.
