Solar Scam: BJP Demands Kerala CM Oomen Chandy’s Resignation

Union Minister N Sitharaman accused Congress of looking the other way in cases of corruption involving its leaders

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. (Photo courtesy: Facebook page/Oomen Chandy)

The BJP, on Thursday, has demanded immediate resignation of Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The reaction came after a vigilance court ordered that an FIR be registered against Chandy and Power Minister Arayadan Mohammed in connection with the solar scam.

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hit out at the Congress high command for “looking the other way” in cases of corruption involving its state leaders. She demanded that the party’s top brass “speak out” now.

<p>It cannot be graver than this. BJP demands that the chief minister resign immediately. The CM has no locus standi to be in his chair. Kerala government is reeling under one corruption charge or other.</p>

<b>Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry</b>

She also referred to the resignation of the state’s Finance Minister, KM Mani and Excise Minister, K Babu over corruption charges.

Asked about Chandy’s defense, she shot back “I don’t think he has a choice. When the charges were first made against him, Congress leaders claimed that it was merely an allegation and not verified but the court’s direction underlined their seriousness,” she said.

<p> These are not light and frivolous allegations but very serious charges. Congress moves from one issue to another (to target BJP) but will somebody from its high command go to Kerala and speak on corruption?</p>

<b>Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry</b>

Prime accused in the solar scam, Saritha S Nair had alleged that she had paid bribes totalling Rs 1.90 crores to a close aide of the chief minister, while Rs 40 lakh had been given to the Power Minister.