The RTI issue first. The LDF Government has embarked upon a confrontationist course with the State Information Commissioner, who insisted upon the Government releasing information pertaining to the Cabinet decisions in 48 hours under the Right To Information Act.

The State Information Commission had issued the order on the basis of a petition filed by RTI activist D B Binu, who had sought documents related to many controversial decisions taken by the former Oommen Chandy Government.

The State Government has said No to the order on the ground that releasing documents relating to the Chandy Government would force it to do so when there is such a request over its own decisions!

Ironically, the LDF had been vehemently critical of the Chandy Government’s refusal to provide information on its decisions under the RTI Act.

The opposition United Democratic Front (UDF), which is still smarting under the drubbing it received in the State Assembly elections, has gleefully pounced on the opportunity to put the Vijayan Government on the mat.

Leader of the Opposition, Ramesh Chennithala has accused the LDF Government of violating the spirit of the RTI Act by refusing to divulge information about Cabinet decisions to the people. He has also castigated the Government for its decision to appeal against the Information Commissioner’s decision.

Similarly, the Government has drawn all-round flak over the appearance in the Kerala High Court of the Government’s Legal Adviser, M. K. Damodarn on behalf of controversial ‘Lottery King’ Santiago Martin.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has, however, defended Damodaran by claiming that there is nothing wrong in the latter taking up briefs in any case. His reasoning: Damodaran is serving as Government’s legal adviser without taking any payment!

Damodaran has further embarrassed the Government by appearing for INTUC state president R Chandrashekharan in the Cashew Development Corporation corruption case in which Chandrashekharan is an accused. As if this was not enough, Damodaran has also appeared for quarry owners in the High Court on a petition aimed at stopping the need for environmental clearance for quarries.

Congress leaders including Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president V M Sudheeran, have rejected the CM’s stand. Damodaran should have resigned before appearing on behalf of Santiago Martin and in other cases, they pointed out.

CPI(M) stalwart V S Achuthanandan himself is unhappy over Damodaran’s decision to appear for Martin. Martin, who had cheated the government of crores of rupees, had been driven out of the state after he intensified the legal battle against him, VS added.

The State CPI(M) leaders are justifying Damodaran’s decision also on the plea that the state government was not a party in the lottery case; and that the case has been filed by Martin to challenge the Enforcement Directorate’s move to attach his property!

Incidentally, the LDF leaders had taken strong exception to AICC spokesman Abhishek Singhvi appearing for Martin in the High Court in the lottery case.

Whatever the final outcome, the government finds itself on a sticky wicket over the two issues. Apart from VS, many other CPI(M) leaders in the state are also said to be unhappy over the developments but they are not openly critical about it because of obvious reasons. They fear that these developments will considerably weaken the Vijayan Government’s commitment to ensure corruption-free governance and transparency in administration. (IPA Service)