Graft-hit Communists observe 'Black Day' in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, June 9 (ANI): The Communist Party observed Monday as a 'Black Day' against Governor R S Gawai's decision to permit the CBI to prosecute party's politburo member Pinarayi Vijayan in a graft case.

Governor R S Gawai has accorded sanction to prosecute Vijayan in three billion rupees SNC Lavalin scam.

CPI (M) leaders termed the Governor's action as 'unconstitutional.'

"This is a protest by democratic-minded people against the unconstitutional action of the Governor at the behest of the Congress and the United Democratic Front to frame a very powerful leader in a case. This was reflected in 'black day' protest," said Kadakampally Surendran, district secretary, CPI (M).

But the Congress Party said it did not in any way influence the Governor's decision.

"The point is that why should we interfere in the decision of the Governor. We are not concerned with that. We will never do such kind of things," said Ramesh Chennithala, president of Kerala's Congress committee.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from Vijayan's native Kannur where a shutdown was observed.

Vijayan is accused of wrongfully awarding a contract to Canadian company SNC Lavalin for renovation of two power plants when he was the state power minister in 1997.

This is the first time a CPI-M politburo member has been accused in a multi-million rupee scam and will face prosecution. (ANI)