Allegation against KPCC Chief is ''sponsored'': Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram, July 19 (UNI) Terming the allegations of accepting bribes against KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala as ''sponsored,'' UDF Chairman and Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy today said they would counter such false allegations unitedly.

Talking to newspersons here, Mr Chandy said, ''the allegation is a sponsored one and we are taking the issue very seriously as the matter could not be seen as an isolated incident.'' Alleging that the CPM-led Left Democratic Front Government was trying to suppress its political opponents and those who criticised the government and its activities, he said the UDF would unitedly face such actions and continue its agitation against the government and its wrong-doings.

Condemning the raising of a corruption charge through a submission and its reply by Home Minister, he said it was the first time in the history of the legislature procedure and conventions.

Mr Chandy clarified that the person who made the allegations for the second time had given a written apology to Mr Chennithala, when he raised the issue first.

Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had asked the Vigilance to inquire into the allegation that Mr Chennithala accepted Rs ten crore during the tenure of the previous Congress government, to settle the Kanichukulangara fake accident case.

UNI