Minister Mercykutty rejects charge of irregularities in cashew import

Thiruvananthapuram: Fisheries and Cashew Minister J Mercykutty Thursday rejected Congress-led UDF Oppositions allegation of irregularities in the import of raw cashew nut and said she would quit if the charges were proved.

"Opposition is spreading false charges in the import of raw cashewnut. I came to this position with hard work. I will quit the job if charges are proved," she told the state assembly. She was responding to V D Satheesan (Congress), who raised the matter in the assembly during the debate on Kerala Appropriation Bill, 2016.

Intervening, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejected the opposition demand for a Vigilance probe and said there was no need for it.

Satheesan alleged that Kerala Cashew Development Corporation had imported raw cashew nut at a higher price when the same was available at a cheaper rate.

"This has caused heavy burden on the Corporation," he charged demanding a Vigilance probe into the matter.

Later talking to reporters, Satheesan said he would take legal action if his demand was not.