Decks cleared to rehabilitate VS with Cabinet rank
Follow The Kerala Legislature on Tuesday passed the Bill clearing way for the appointment of CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan as the chairperson of proposed Kerala Administrative Reforms Commission (KARC) with Cabinet rank while enjoying all the facilities of a legislator. The amendment was brought in to allow the Communist leader to hold dual posts, as MLA and as the chairperson of the commission.Â
The Bill was passed amid the walkout of the Opposition from the Assembly. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said that the government is trying to shut Achuthanandan's mouth by offering him a plum position.Â
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Also read:Â Smart camera reads secret note VS passed to Yechury, puts him in bad light
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The Assembly passed the amendments to Kerala Removal of Disqualification Act, 1951 that restricted an MLA from accepting another post and receiving salary and other benefits.Â
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Also read:Â CPM to compensate VS with plum post and cabinet rank
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A heated discussion preceded the passage of the amendment in which the opposition targetted the treasury benches for spending crores from the exchequer just to accommodate a CPM leader, whom they denied the post of Chief Minister in favour of Pinarayi Vijayan.Â
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 By offering a new position, the party aims to make him sit in the corner and the public pays for it, Chennithala said. Achuthanandan was offered the post of Chief Minister, but party cheated him by giving the top job to Vijayan, he added. The opposition also pointed out  that the amendment violated the Constitution, and stated that it needed ratification of the Governor. Â
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However, Law Minister A K Balan said that such contentions would not stand as the UDF Government had made similar amendment in the Bill for appointing P C George as the Chief Whip. He also clarified that the move does not aim to silence Achuthanandan. He also refuted reports on the difference of opinion between Achuthanandan and his party. Â
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The first  session of the 14th Kerala Assembly ended on Tuesday. Further details on the appointment of Achuthanandan will be discussed in the cabinet.
