THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the CPM deciding to defend the government and the Chief Minister on the allegations of corruption related to the contract and sub-contracts of the artificial intelligence cameras, and the Congress deciding to fight the legal battle, the issue became an open political battle.

The silence of the Chief Minister and the party and the unilateral attack by the opposition had created doubts among the people about the government. The party broke its silence and clarified its position after realizing this. Former Minister AK Balan and Law Minister P Rajeev had come out in defense earlier, but CPM was ready to give an official explanation yesterday only.

In a press conference held after the two-day state committee meeting, CPM state secretary MV Govindan responded to the allegations leveled by the opposition. Govindan said that the allegation was pure nonsense and there was no corruption of even a single paisa. He contended that the government's dealings were with Keltron and the sub-contracts were made by Keltron.

However, the Congress leaders claim that neither the government nor the CPM has given a proper reply to the allegations made on the basis of evidence and documents. Opposition leader VD Satheesan and former leader Ramesh Chennithala came forward accusing the Chief Minister of playing hide and seek. KPCC president K Sudhakaran stated that the government is turning its back on the judicial investigation because of fear and he will approach the court for that. The Congress reckons that the government will be entrapped in the court. Even verbal remarks made by the court can be used as weapons to attack the government.

CPM is trying to defend the opposition by alleging that it is a group war within Congress and a move to destroy Keltron, a public sector institution. CPM says that the competition is between Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala.

At the same time, CPM recognizes that the allegations have tarnished the government's image. The state leadership has agreed to organize political briefings to regain its image. However, CPM sources informed that the issue was not discussed in the two-day state committee meeting.

CPM argument

1. Government's deal is only with Keltron. Keltron awarded the subcontract to SRIT, which quoted the lowest amount. It is in the tender conditions that subcontracts can be awarded.
2. The opposition is reading only the first part of the agreement. In the second part, an expenditure of 232.25 crores is described. 142 crores for project implementation, 56.24 crores for 5 years of operation, and 35.76 crores as GST.
3. No money was spent on the project from the exchequer. After the implementation of the project, Keltron will have to pay the amount in 20 installments over five years.