LDF govt using vigilance for political vendetta: UDF

Thiruvanathapuram, Sep 7: Accusing the CPI(M)-led LDF government of using the Vigilance department for political vendetta, the Congress-led opposition UDF in Kerala today decided to challenge politically the recent action against former minister K Babu by the anti-corruption agency.

Talking to reporters after a meeting of UDF leaders here, Front Convener P P Thankachan said the front was of the view that recent raids conducted in the house of Babu, a Congress leader, was with "political motives".

"We will face the issue politically. The LDF government is using the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) for political revenge against their rivals," Thankachan charged. Vigilance should conduct investigation and raids by adhering to rules and guidelines.

"But what is now happening is an effort to malign political leaders and this would not be allowed," he said.

The VACB had last week conducted raids in the residences Babu and his two daughters in connection with a disproportionate assets case. Attacking the LDF government that recently completed 100 days in office, he said life of people in the state had become "miserable" as the government "failed" to check the raise in price of essential commodities.

"The government is a total failure on all fronts," he added. As part of its agitation against the government, UDF would hold dharna in all assembly constituencies on October 1. He also alleged that the law and order situation in the state had also "deteriorated" following clashes between CPI-M and BJP workers.

PTI