THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan has been facing the wrath of opposition over having links with the controversial figure, Swapna Suresh who has been interrogated by various probe agencies in connection with cases like gold smuggling. Last week the opposition has also brought a no-confidence motion against the speaker in the assembly. But as the ruling front had a clear majority the no-confidence motion was rejected. Meanwhile, the Speaker has made an important revelation in an interview given to a private news channel.

Customs has questioned a person named Naser, who arranged a SIM card for the speaker, on the day when no-confidence motion was presented against him in the assembly. Earlier reports have surfaced that the SIM was taken by the speaker to call Swapna and it got deactivated when she went behind bars. He has also replied to this, in the television interview. Speaker said that it is not a secret SIM and it is used in his personal phone.

“I asked the party worker to arrange the SIM. It was taken using his relative’s ID proof. I might have called Swapna using it but it is not done with any malicious intentions and any kind of exemption was not given to her. I knew Swapna’s family also. I only called her to ask about certain things in connection with the consulate,” he said.

He also asks there is no need for customs interrogation in the case and whether the department can initiate questioning on the basis of mere speculation without any concrete evidence. “If they summon me for questioning again then the due reply will be given as per protocols. I would like to contest from Ponnani in the upcoming assembly polls, but it is the party which should decide on my candidature,” he added.