THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For the first time since the allegations against transport minister Thomas Chandy surfaced, top LDF leaders including Administrative Reforms Commission chairman V. S. Achuthanandan and CPI central secretariat member Pannyan Raveendran have demanded his resignation. Veteran CPM leader Achuthanandan said if Chandy refused to step down on his own, then he should be thrown out of the Cabinet. He called for strict action against the minister who is facing allegations of reclamation of lake and encroachment of government land.
"If Chandy is reluctant to go out, then he should be made to leave immediately," he added. The veteran leader expressed anger over the delay in Mr Chandy's resignation despite the demand being raised strongly at the LDF meeting. Mr Achuthandnan's statement is also an indirect attack on the Chief Minister who has maintained silence on the issue. Mr Achuthanandan had earlier said that it was a matter of pride for some to carry the tainted minister. He had pointed out that certain sections wanted Chandy's presence which is why he was still continuing in the Cabinet.
Soon after the allegations came up against Mr Chandy, the veteran CPM leader had sought detailed investigations. He considered the alleged encroachment and reclamation of portion of Punnamada Lake serious enough to warrant strong action. Mr Achuthanandan's stand is in sync with the CPI which has been demanding action against the tainted minister. With the top Left leaders now publicly demanding Chandy's resignation, pressure will mount on the Chief Minister to act against his Cabinet colleague. Though Mr Chandy's party, NCP, wants to wait for the High Court verdict on the issue, many in the LDF believe that there is no point in giving this concession to the minister.
