The Hindu (Thiruvananthapuram)
Satheesan demands CBI probe into K-FON project
Governor, CM extend Vishu greetings
Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan extended greetings to the people of Kerala on the eve of Vishu.
In his message, Mr. Khan expressed hope that the festival, which marked the beginning of a period of plenitude, ushered in “a spell of greater prosperity, contentment and togetherness, and strengthen our commitment to protect Mother Nature whose resources sustain us”.
Mr. Vijayan said Vishu has for long symbolised equality and will instil inspiration to elevate public consciousness, transcending social barriers including caste and religion.
‘As a reminder’
He added the occasion must serve as a reminder to confront divisive elements seeking to sow communal discord in the nation. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan too extended his greetings, wishing the occasion eschews hatred and instils hope to overcome crises.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan has demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the KFON project which, according to him, had failed to take off despite spending huge amounts from the coffers.
The Kerala government introduced the project to provide a “reliable, secure and scalable intranet connecting all government offices, educational institutions and hospitals,” according to the company website.
The project failed to take off as planned even after spending ₹1,500 crore, says Leader of the Opposition
‘Failed to take off’
Mr. Satheesan said here on Saturday that the project failed to take off as planned even after spending ₹1,500 crore. The government allowed the companies, which had close links with those in power, to plunder the State through the project, he alleged.
The State government will have to begin the monthly repayment of ₹100 crore to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board from where it had raised the funds for the project. The cashstrapped State government will not be able to repay the money, he said.
Mr. Satheesan alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was targeting the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi in his election campaign meetings to cover up the follies of his government. Interestingly, the Chief Minister was silent on the BJP and its leaders fearing that Central investigation agencies may come searching for him and his party leaders who are embroiled in corruption, Mr. Satheesan said.
‘Financial crisis’
The government has failed in all spheres of governance and has forced the State into a deep financial crisis. The CPI(M) was out to support the BJP in a few constituencies including Thrissur. The party which was facing probes by various Central investigation agencies was trying to appease the BJP by offering its support for the BJP candidates, he alleged.