THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI ministers have expressed CPI's dissent with the Lokayukta amendment ordinance that limits the powers of the Lokayukta. However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan retorted by stating that the cabinet notes to it were circulated in advance and that he assumed that the CPI would have discussed it.

It was Revenue Minister K Rajan who expressed the CPI's dissent during the cabinet meeting yesterday. Rajan said the CPI was of the view that the amendment was unconstitutional and that there was not enough room for political discussion when such an amendment was introduced. He added that the party did not get enough time to gather feedback on the issue.

The CM asked if the cabinet note had not been in the hands of all the ministers for a week. Although the CPI ministers demanded a detailed political discussion on the bill before its introduction in the Assembly, the Chief Minister replied that the bill would not be introduced soon. There was no mention of a discussion. It has become clear that the bill to replace the ordinance will not be considered in the Assembly session starting today.

The Chief Minister pointed out that the amendment was included in the agenda of the Cabinet meeting held on January 12. It was approved by the cabinet meeting held on the 19th. No ministers had expressed dissent then. That is how the cabinet approved it with the support of all, he explained. It is learned that Minister Rajan expressed dissent in the cabinet meeting as per the decision of the CPI state executive.

Responding to criticism at the CPI state executive meeting, Minister Rajan said that party ministers at the time did not respond to the amendment issue as the cabinet meeting that approved the ordinance was held online. He also said that the ministers had not received a proper directive from the party center then. With the CPI continuing to oppose the ordinance, the Opposition is sure to use the Lokayukta Amendment Ordinance as a weapon to put the government on the defensive. The UDF camp is planning to bring a resolution against the ordinance in the assembly.