Thiruvananthapuram: Congress in Kerala on Thursday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan both inside and outside the assembly, for defending MK Damodaran, his legal advisor, who came under fire for appearing for lottery baron Santiago Martin in the high court.
In the assembly, Vijayan backed Damodaran who appeared for Martin in the Kerala High Court in a case filed by the Enforcement Directorate, saying there was no bar on him and as his services were free, he could accept any brief.
Hitting out at Vijayan, KPCC President VM Sudheeran said while continuing as legal advisor of the Chief Minister, Damodaran cannot appear for cases against the state.
This was a 'grave error' and cannot be allowed. The state's interests would be 'crucified', he alleged.
"If the Chief Minister waves the green flag allowing the former AG to appear in any case, then an accused in a criminal or corruption case can ask him to fight their case and this cannot be allowed", Sudheeran told reporters here.
The CM should rectify this mistake, he said, adding that Damodaran should either be asked to resign or the legal advisor himself should put in his papers.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala had attacked the Chief Minister in the assembly, stating that the principal legal advisor was appearing on behalf of criminals.
"Damodaran is serving as the legal advisor of the CM without accepting any remuneration. There is no bar on him to take up any brief," the Chief Minister said, replying to the allegation in the house.
Chennithala said Damodaran was appearing for Martin, who was shunted out of Kerala by the previous UDF government.
Comments
0 comment