Ruling LDF government in Kerala yesterday introduced Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualifications) Amendment Bill, paving the way for the appointment of CPM veteran V S Achuthanandan as chairman of the state's Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).
The bill, moved in line with the LDF's decision to appoint the 92-year-old Left leader to a top government post, invited criticism from the Opposition, which said it would add burden on the state's Consolidated Fund.
"No person shall be disqualified or deemed ever to have been disqualified for being chosen as and for being, an MLA, by reason only that he holds the office of Chairman of the ARCs," the bill, introduced by Minister for Law A K Balan, said. However, Balan said the amendment was not with an intention to give a position to Achuthanandan.
Participating in the debate, Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala attacked the government for the amendment and said it was the first step to make Achuthanandan chairman of the ARC with cabinet rank.
He also disputed government's contention that there would not be any expenses from the Consolidated Fund of the state.
"Definitely, there will be expenses from the Fund if Achuthanandan is appointed as Chairman with cabinet rank," he added.
Later, the House referred the bill to the subject committee, which is slated to return to the House for further consideration on July 19.
In the event any MLA is appointed as chairman of the ARC, such appointment would entail his being disqualified as MLA.
Therefore, the government decided to amend retrospectively the Legislative Assembly (Removal of Disqualification) Act 1951 to remove such disqualification, the bill said.
Achuthanandan led the LDF to an impressive victory in the May 16 assembly polls by vigorously campaigning for the Left front. The Left party had decided on Pinarayi Vijayan as the Chief Minister, citing Achutanandan's advanced age and physical limitations. Later, the party and the Left Front decided to give Achuthanandan a "suitable top position" in the government.
