THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister P Rajeev harshly criticized the opposition in the AI camera controversy. Stating that the controversy is just a smokescreen created by the opposition, the minister asked what the reply would be if the subcontracted company had to respond to a document stating that it owed money to someone for staying at the hotel.

‘The government has not spent a single rupee for the project. The contract amount of 256 crores is not only for the camera. The contract includes salaries of around 146 employees including technical experts for five years, other technologies, the cost of issuing notices by post to violators, taxes, internet connectivity and electricity bills. The procedures of Keltron will be examined after receiving the report. I don’t understand on what basis it is alleged that chief minister’s relative is connected to it. If there are any flaws in the tender, can go to the court,’ the minister said.

P Rajeev blamed Ramesh Chennithala for levelling serious allegations against judiciary. 'If said that the Chief Justice is walking around after locking up the pleas of Chennithala, then a very serious problem has been raised against judiciary. Abusing the judiciary of our country is a very serious offence. If we had made this remark, what would have been the reaction of the media,' the minister asked.

Chennithala had the other day said that he has faith in the court, but the action from the high court was painful. ‘I have respect for many of the present judges, but when the case came before Chief Justice Manikumar, he was walking with the keys after keeping the pleas in a suitcase. Allegations of corruption were raised in the sprinkler case. Eight or nine cases given against the move to extort money from poor patients are of public interest, not personal ones. The retired chief justice did not take action in any of these, Chennithala had said.