THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The corruption allegations against K-FON, and AI cameras, are hurting the Left government while it celebrates the second anniversary of its continuance of rule.

Even the left centres are grumbling over the absence of any intervention from the government or the CPM against the opposition's attack. It has been 15 days since the allegations on the AI camera deal were raised. However, the Chief Minister is yet to respond despite his close relative's relationship with Presidio getting exposed. Pinarayi Vijayan, the party's senior PB member and the chief minister of the only state in which the Left is in power, is facing serious allegations. This is the crisis facing the CPM.

The opposition, on the other hand, is trying to gain an advantage by using this as a powerful political weapon against the government. They are also planning to develop this as a topic for campaigning ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

It is a disaster that the Safe Kerala project, which was brought with the good intention of ensuring road safety, was tainted with corruption from the very beginning. As the controversy escalated to unexpected levels, the Transport Department froze the move to impose fines for traffic violations until a comprehensive agreement is signed with Keltron. However, it is not easy to cancel the project as cameras have been installed on the roads. The government will try to wait until the controversy subsides and then sign the comprehensive agreement.

However, it is a challenge how this can be done when opposition leaders are raising new allegations every day and constantly making revelations. 232 crore estimated as the cost of installing the cameras should be recovered through collecting fines for violations. On top of that is the mystery created by the continued silence of the party and administrative leadership.

Ministers pointed it out earlier
There are indications that some ministers had expressed concern about the camera deal earlier. Even when the CAG criticized the deal with Keltron regarding police purchasing, some Left leaders had said that caution should be exercised in future contracts. Not only was that ignored, but it has been alleged that the benami of a close relative of the Chief Minister was the key link in the new deal. This is a blow to the Left government, which claims an anti-corruption image.