Solar panel scam: LDF demands Kerala CM's resignation

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Saturday continued to press its demand for Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy's resignation over the solar panel scam.

"The announcement made by the Secretariat of the CPM on the solar scam, is supposed to be the biggest corruption case in Kerala. Therefore Chief Minister should resign for proper examination of whole solar scam episode," said Pinarayi Vijayan, a leader of the Kerala state unit of the Communist Party of India in Thiruvanthapuram.

Earlier, the opposition had threatened to lay an indefinite siege of the secretariat from Monday demanding Chandy's resignation over the solar panel scam.

As a result, the state administration has sought deployment of additional personnel of paramilitary personnel.

The Central Stadium adjacent to the secretariat complex is the main venue of Independence Day celebrations, to be attended by the Governor, Chief Minister and other dignitaries.

Chandy had earlier last month assured that stringent punishment would be given to those found guilty in the solar panels supply and execution scam.

The Left Democratic Front in Kerala had earlier demanded a judicial probe in the matter.

The solar scam pertains to cheating several persons amounting to crores of rupees by Saritha Nair and her accomplice Biju Radhakrishnan by offering solar panel solutions.

It took a political turn with the arrest of one of Chandy's close personal aides, who has alleged links with the accused. Two other employees in his personal staff have also been removed in connection with the scam.