Removing Speech from Records Doesn't Erase the Corruption: K N Balagopal

Thiruvananthapuram: KN Balagopal MLA said that removing a speech on the liquor tax cut corruption allegation from Assembly records does not make the corruption disappear. He told a press conference that the removal of Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan's Assembly speech from the official record was unprecedented in the history of the state legislature.

He said that even if the speech is not shown, the people of the state already know everything. An effort is under way, on a war footing, to cut taxes on low-strength liquor and expand its reach. He said even some within the ruling front have admitted that this is a worrying state of affairs, yet the government is unwilling to either take a clear stand or withdraw the decision. He pointed out that the file in question had remained stalled for three years during the LDF's tenure, but was cleared within days of the UDF government coming to power, and that the Chief Minister had pushed the move through without the knowledge of the Cabinet.

Balagopal said the situation is reaching a point where the Opposition is being denied even the chance to express its views, adding that this shows how the Assembly is likely to be run going forward under the V D Satheesan government.