CPI opposes Lokayukta ordinance; Cabinet note was issued earlier, says CM

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Communist Party of India (CPI) ministers publicized their opposition to the Lokayukta ordinance. The CPI ministers complained at the cabinet meeting that the ordinance was brought without warning and they did not get any chance to study the amendment or hold political discussions.

The cabinet note deciding the cabinet agenda had already been issued, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, in response to the complaints. It was assumed that the CPI ministers were aware of the ordinance through the cabinet note and had discussed the matter. The cabinet meeting was adjourned once, without taking a decision on the issue, so that the parties could discuss it. The CPI ministers did not object when the issue was discussed a second time. Hence, it was thought that the CPI was in agreement with the ordinance, explained the chief minister. However, the CPI ministers clarified in the meeting that the party was of the opinion that the Lokayukta ordinance was unconstitutional.

The CPI ministers not expressing their opposition, while the ordinance was approved in the cabinet, had drawn criticisms within the party. The CPI ministers expressed their objection in today’s cabinet meeting, ahead of the assembly session scheduled to begin on Friday. The CPM has not yet made any direct interventions to persuade the CPI on the issue. The Kodiyeri-Kanam meeting is also being extended. The CPI ministers are likely to raise objections and recommend amendments when the bill is debated in the cabinet ahead of its introduction in the assembly.