THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala levelled serious corruption allegations against Speaker Sreeramakrishnan. He alleged that crores were spent for the renovation of Sankaranarayanan Thampi Hall of the e assembly to convene the Loka Kerala Sabha. An amount of 1.84 crore were spent earlier for the renovation of the hall. The work was entrusted to Uralungal Service Society. The opposition leader pointed that the action was taken without following the procedures including tender.

When the Loka Kerala Sabha was convened in 2020, steps were taken to renovate the hall for an amount of 16.65 crore. This was also given to Uralungal Society itself without inviting a tender. This was for a day of Loka Kerala Sabha and this hall is now closed. A bill of 12 crore has given to Uralungal Society so far. Chennithala alleged that this was the special relaxation given in financial restrictions related to Covid.

The Festival of Democracy was a celebration of corruption. Though six programmes were planned, only two were held due to COVID. Two and a half crore rupees was spent for this alone. Food expenses for this programme alone was Rs 68 lakh. Travel expenses were Rs 42 lakh and Rs 31 lakh was spent for advertisement. Five contractors were appointed for the programme. It has been two years since the programme ended, the employees are still receiving a monthly salary of Rs 30,000, alleged Chennithala.

A project of 52.33 crore was handed over to the Uralungal Society to make the assembly paperless. A mobilization advance of 13.53 crore was also given. No one has benefited from it and it is very clear that there is corruption in this.

A major lavishness has been committed in the name of Sabha TV. All these happened under the leadership of the Speaker. A letter will be sent to the governor asking him to take action against the speaker and conduct a probe. The opposition leader said he is speaking only on the basis of documents.