THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Congress and the BJP have demanded a Vigilance probe into the alleged nepotism practised by LDF ministers, including Industry Minister E.P. Jayarajan, in making various appointments. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala asked Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau director Jacob Thomas to probe the appointment of the relatives of CPM leaders in key government posts.
He said Mr Jayarajan, who appointed Mr P. K. Sudheer, his nephew, as managing director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises, had also posted his brother's daughter-in-law Deepthi as managing director in Kannur Clay and Ceramics Ltd, former Chief Minister E. K. Nayanar's grandson Sooraj Raveendra as MD of Kinfra Film and Video Park, CITU state president Anathalavattom Anandan's son Jeeva Anand as MD of Kinfra Apparel Park and Koliakode Krishnan Nair's son Unnikrishnan as general manager of Kinfra.
“All these appointments are against the 1988 prevention of corruption Act’s clause 13 (1) (D) and so a case should be registered against Jayarajan,” said Mr Chennithala. BJP leader V. Muraleedharan on Saturday shot off a six-page letter seeking an inquiry into the appointment of Mr Sudheer as MD of KSIE. “Though Sudheer's appointment has been cancelled by the industries minister, the LDF government has to call for an investigation into the nepotism row,” said Mr Muraleedharan. He alleged that the rules of business applicable to ministers had been breached and said such appointments should have the clearance of the cabinet. It would not have happened without the knowledge of the Chief Minister, he said and sought an inquiry into this aspect as well.
