LDF takes out Secretariat march demanding Chandy's resignation

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI-M-led LDF Opposition took out a Secretariat march on Wednesday demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in the wake of an adverse court order in a case pertaining to alleged corruption in implementation of an effluent treatment plant at a public sector company, Travancore Titanium Products (TTP).

The Left activists began the march from Palayam Rakthasakshi Mandapam before being blocked by the police in front of the Secretariat gate.

The workers then sat on a dharna that was inaugurated by CPI-M Central Committee member P K Sreemathi.

Mentioning the recent developments in the Titanium case and the Palm Oil case, Sreemathi said the Chief Minister does not have the right to remain in the post.

A vigilance court had last week rejected the report of the Vigilance and Anti-corruption Bureau into alleged irregularities in awarding a contract to a company outside the state for setting up an effluent plant at Travancore Titanium Products (TTP), during Chandy's initial stint as Chief Minister in 2005.

Chandy and his two colleagues have ruled out their resignation, but asserted that they were not afraid of any investigation since they had not done anything wrong.

The LDF had decided to organize demonstrations at all district headquarters in the State, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister.