Thousands of LDF Opposition volunteers continued their siege of the Secretariat here for the second day, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and a judicial probe into the solar scam.

All major roads leading to the Secretariat complex have been blocked by protesters amid the presence of police personnel in large numbers.

In a move to avoid a confrontation with protesters, the Government has declared a holiday for Secretariat employees today and tomorrow.

This was announced by Chandy yesterday, holding that preparations have to be made for the smooth functioning of Independence Day celebrations on August 15, for which the main venue is the Central Stadium adjacent to the Secretariat building.

Even though Chandy announced that he was ready for any probe into the solar scam after completion of the ongoing special investigation team (SIT) probe, LDF leaders rejected the suggestion and stuck to their demand for his resignation and then face a judicial probe.

After a meeting with top leaders of the Congress and UDF partners, Chandy also said his Government was ready for a dialogue with the Opposition to find a solution to end the stalemate.

However, this offer was also declined by the Opposition.

The SIT was all set to file its charge sheet in seven related cases by this week-end. If the Opposition had any objections or suggestions, the Government was ready to look into them with an open mind, Chandy had said.

The scam pertains to financial cheating of several people by accused Biju Radhakrishnan and Saritha Nair, both under arrest, by offering clients solar energy solutions. The accused allegedly flaunted their clout with the CM’s office for duping unsuspecting clients of huge sums.

The case took a political turn after the arrest of a personal assistant of Chandy for his alleged links with the accused. A gunman of the Chief Minister was also suspended for his alleged association with the fraudsters.

Related Topics