Kerala Assembly witnesses walkout twice by the Opposition

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 29 (UNI) Opposition members walked out of the Kerala Assembly twice today over the government signing an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

The walkout followed alsodue to the decision not to have a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into alleged irregularities on award of contract to Canadian company SNC Lavalin for renovation of three hydel projects.

Moving a notice for an adjournment motion on the ADB loan issue, Kerala Congress leader K M Mani said the agreement on the loan for the Sustainable Urban Development Programme being implemented by five Municipal Corporations was signed without discussion in the Cabinet and without the Chief Minister's knowledge.

He said the agreement was not valid as it was signed violating Constitutional provisions. Also, serious differences between the Chief Minister and some of his Cabinet colleaues had emerged, Mr Mani said and sought a detailed discussion in the House.

Replying to the notice, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the final agreement on the ADB loan was signed on December eight at New Delhi as a continuation of the process initiated by the previous United Democratic Front (UDF) government.

The draft of the agreement should have been brought to his notice for Cabinet approval before signing. It was because of the lapses by officials that the agreement was signed before it was approved by the Cabinet. The government was examining the report of the Chief Secretary, who had been asked to inquire into the lapses and action would be taken against those responsible, Mr Achuthanandan said.

Denying Mr Mani's allegation that the Chief Minister had serious differences with some of his Cabinet colleagues on the issue, Mr Achuthanandan said steps would be taken to remove clauses, if any, in the agreement that harmed the state's interest.

Leading the walkout, Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy wanted all files on signing the agreement to be tabled in the House.

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