Kozhikode (Kerala), February 13 Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly, V D Satheesan, on Friday launched a scathing attack on the ruling LDF government in Kerala, accusing it of "corruption and misappropriating public funds," and shielding party leaders and supporters facing criminal charges.
Referring to recent audit findings related to the Global Ayyappa Sangam held last year, Satheesan alleged that they exposed "corruption" and the "plunder of crores" by the ruling dispensation.
The Kerala High Court on Wednesday noted several issues and "serious inconsistencies" in the audit report of the Global Ayyappa Sangam and sought explanations from the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) as well as the Kerala State Audit Department.
The Opposition leader alleged that a large amount of government funds was spent on putting up posters featuring the Chief Minister's image across the state in connection with the event.
"They (LDF) are on their way out and are looting everything they can lay their hands on as they go," he claimed while speaking to reporters.
Satheesan also raised concerns over the delay in registering an FIR against former MLA P T Kunju Muhammed following a sexual harassment complaint submitted to the Chief Minister by a woman filmmaker. He said the case was registered more than two weeks after the CM received the complaint.
"Why this different attitude towards those close to the government? Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan heads the home department. He received the complaint and must explain why there was a delay," Satheesan said.
"Such things should not happen in Kerala," he added.
Later in the day, State Higher Education Minister R Bindu rejected Satheesan's allegations, claiming the government has always taken a women-centric stance, including in this case.
"The government took all legal steps and action against him on receiving the complaint," she said, adding that "exemplary steps" had been taken, and it was therefore wrong to "twist" the issue.
"This government has always stood with women on all issues and will continue to do so. No one has tried to protect him (Kunju Muhammed), who is an accused," she asserted.
Police recently filed a charge sheet in the case against Kunju Muhammed, according to reports.
