Thiruvananthapuram: Governor P Sathasivam has rejected the demand of Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala for probe against the sanctioning of breweries in the state. Mr Chennithala had urged the Governor that action should be taken against Excise T.P. Ramakrishnan under the Prevention of Corruption Act (2018 amendment) Section 17 in the distillery - brewery issue.He had submitted three letters raising the same demand.
After Chennithala gave the letter, the governor had sought explanation from the government on the matter. Chief Minister’s office had then replied that the given sanctions were cancelled. Chief Minister's office also clarified a committee has been appointed to draft guidelines to sanction new breweries in the state.
Mr Sathasivam in his reply to the Opposition leader pointed out that the petition filed by the opposition in the High Court on the same issue was also rejected. Hence, there was no need for any inquiry.
Chennithala in the complaint had accused Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijay-an and excise minister Ramakrishnan of entering in to conspiracy to provide licenses to Sree Chakra Distilleries, Pow-er Infratech, Apollo distilleries and Sreedhar breweries.
“The decision to give Kinfra's 10 acre land was also taken without proper consultations,” Mr Chennithala had alleged.
