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PTI
Thiruvananthapuram
Hardening their attack against the CPI(M)-led LDF government in south Indian state of Kerala for alleged nepotism, Congress-led UDF Opposition today demanded the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau file a FIR against Industries minister E P Jayarajan for posting relatives of party leaders in key positions of public sector undertakings.
In a letter to VACB, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala wanted a probe into 'mass appointments' in PSUs.
"Jayarajan was not qualified to be in the position he was holding," he told reporters at Alapuzha.
He said Jayarajan has committed~an offence under Section 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 and demanded that a case be registered and a probe ordered into it.
Relatives of former Chief Minister E K Nayanar, former MLA Koliyakkod Krishnan Nair, CPI(M) state secretariat member Anathalavattom Anandan were among those who got appointed in key posts, Chennithala alleged.
KPCC President V M Sudheeran also flayed Jayrajan and demanded his resignation.
"Government has become the butt of sarcasm due to Jayarajan's act," he said in Kannur, adding Jayarajan cannot continue as minister.
Jayarajan refused to be drawn into the debate and said he was not prepared to give any clarification now.
"Let them all raise objections. I do not know who they are," he said in Kochi.
Senior BJP leader V Muraleedhran also came out against the government and wanted all controversial postings cancelled.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said the party would examine all appointments in PSUs in the wake of~the row over certain posts.
The party secretariat would discuss the issue on October 14, he said. Youth Congress president Dean Kuriakose said they would launch agitations against the minister and block him.
Congress leader and president of state Mahila Congress Bindhu Krishna said~"The LDF government has become the personification of nepotism and favouritism'.
"Close relatives of party leaders are being appointed in key posts in all departments, irrespective of their qualification.
The appointment of a party leader's daughter as MD of Kerala State Women Development Corporation was the latest in the list," she said.
After the appointment became controversial, the LDF government had two days ago cancelled the appointment of P K Sudheer Nambiar, son of P K Sreemathi, MP and a relative of Industries Minister, E P Jayarajan as Managing Director of state-run Kerala State Industrial Enterprises LTD.
