More trouble for Congress; probe in Palmolein case again

New Delhi, mar 14: Ahead of the crucial polls in Kerala, it seems that Congress may land in more trouble as a court today (Monday, mar 14) ordered further investigation in the palmolein import case. The order has been issued to nail down few more suspects over their alleged roles in the corruption case.

Congress has already faced enough criticism over the appointment of PJ Thomas as Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). Thomas was the one accused in the palmolein case. Now, the court's order was seen as an attempt to implicate Opposition Leader Oommen Chandy, who was Finance Minister in the UDF ministry headed by late K Karunakaran. UDF is an alliance of Congress in Kerala.

The ministry cleared the palmolein import deal in 1992. Thomas was the State Secretary in the State Ministry of Food and Civil Supplies at that time.

The palmolein case related to alleged corruption in the import of palmolein from Malaysia at exorbitant rates, which allegedly caused a loss of Rs 2.32 crore to the exchequer in 1991-92.

Congress led UPA government was criticised when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P Chidambaram were charged with wrongly appointing Thomas as CVC. The duo was charged that they appointed Thomas as CVC despite Opposition leader Sushma Swaraj's reminding about Thomas' alleged tainted role in palmolein case.

Food Minister T H Musthafa is so far other accused in the palmolein case along with Thomas. However, Thomas will soon challenge Supreme Court's decision dismissing his appointment as CVC.

The assembly polls will be held in Kerala in one phase on Apr 13 and the counting will be held on May 13.

OneIndia News