KOLLAM: Shibu Varghese, the chief of the controversial firm EMCC, involved in the deep sea fishing controversy will enter into the poll fray. Shibu Varghese has told that he will contest against the minister in Kundara as an independent candidate. He also added that he will convince the people about the truth on the deep-sea fishing controversy.

Shibu Varghese has alleged that the minister had cheated him in connection with the deep-sea fishing controversy. He also added that he will resort to legal action against the minister who rejected EMCC after ratifying the deep sea fishing MoU. Earlier the government has cancelled the MoU signed between American firm EMCC and KSINC and KSIDC for deep-sea fishing and for setting up a food processing centre, as the agreement set off a controversy. The agreement set of a row as opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged graft against fisheries minister J Mercykutty Amma, Chief Minister and industries minister E P Jayarajan.

As a counter allegation, Mercykutty Amma said that the controversy is part of an illegal deal between an IAS officer and the opposition leader. The chief minister and the fisheries minister also said that the MoU was ratified without the knowledge and nod of the government but opposition leader said that the government’s contentions are false and he publicised the letter sent by the fisheries principal secretary to the external affairs ministry seeking the details of the firm.