Bar bribery row: Oppn boycotts Gov address, demands Mani’s resignation

Demanding the resignation of Kerala Finance Minister K M Mani in the bar bribery case, the CPM-led Opposition Friday boycotted the Governor’s address, which marked the beginning of the budget session of the Assembly.

Opposition members came to the Assembly holding placards demanding Mani’s resignation. When Governor P Sathasivam started his address, detailing the achievements and plans of the Congress-led UDF government, the Opposition walked out of the Assembly.

Opposition leader V S Achuthanandan told the media outside the Assembly complex that Mani would not be allowed to present the budget, slated for March 13. “We will not allow Mani, who is facing a probe in the bar bribery case, to present the budget. We have asked the Governor to keep Mani away from presenting the budget. The Governor has assured us to consider it,” said Achuthanandan.

The coordination panel of the CPM-led Left Democratic Front will meet to chalk out the agitation against Mani. The Opposition has even threatened that Mani would not be allowed to attend the Assembly to present the budget.

Source:: Indian Express