Thiruvananthapuram: As the CPI is displeased over Chief Minister's legal advisor M.K. Damodaran appearing in cases against the state government, the party is set to raise the matter in LDF state committee to be held on Tuesday. The CPI wants the Chief Minister to at least dissuade Damodaran from taking up cases against the state government.
Though the chief minister had refrained from reacting on Damodaran issue in public, he made it clear in the Assembly that it was legal advisor's discretion to take up cases he wanted. But the CPI is not quite convinced. The CPI student wing AISF even went to the extent of passing a resolution at its study camp in Thrissur the other day, demanding Damodaran's removal. The party is expecting support from other LDF allies on the Damodaran issue when it is taken up at the meeting.
Those close to CPI say the party would point out the conflict of interest in Damodaran appearing against the state government for tainted INTUC state president Chandrashekharan in corruption case and quarry owners. They say Damodaran who enjoys the rank of principal secretary was continuously causing embarrassment to the government.
The controversy related to Damodaran was diverting the attention of people from the good works being done by the LDF Government. Even the CPM state leadership appears to be confused on the issue. Initially the party tried to justify Damodaran when he appeared for Santiago Martin, saying that the case was against the central government.
But it has remained tight lipped since Damodaran appeared for Chandrashekharan and quarry owners. A section of left leaders say the Chief Minister should advise the advisor to keep off controversial cases against the state government. However, if Damodaran who is renowned lawyer wants to go ahead with his professional commitments, then he should be relieved of the advisor's post.
