THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition protests demanding the resignation of excise minister K. Babu and a case registered ag-ainst him over bar bribery allegations disrupted proceedings of the opening day of the Assembly session on Monday.
The opposition legislators trooped into the well of the House and shouted slogans after Speaker N. Sakthan disallowed an adjournment motion.
While they alleged “dual justice” in the case of Mr Babu and former finance minister K. M. Mani, the government maintained that the demand lacked legal standing.
Opposition leader V. S. Achuthanandan alleged that a former staff member of Mr Babu, named Ajayagosh, was carrying out shady dealing for him and that he had got details of the bank transactions.
While Mr Babu's office later issued a statement that there was no person by that name on his personal staff, now or earlier, sources close to the Opposition leader told DC that he was referring to an aide to the minister in his Thrippunithura constituency.
Opposition started sho-uting slogans and raised a banner and placards at the beginning itself. Though Opposition deputy leader and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakr-ishnan raised the issue during Question Hour, the Speaker declined.
Opposition members also dropped questions concerning his portfolios. As the protests mounted, the Speaker adjourned the house for the day.
Replying to the adjournment notice, home minister Ramesh Chennithala said, during the quick verification against Mr Mani, no one had given statements countering allegations and hence a case had to be registered.
In the case of Mr Babu, many bar owners gave statements denying allegations of bribery and hence no case was registered. He also said that technically there was no difference in procedures followed.
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