LDF steps up demand for Kerala Excise Minister's resignation

Stepping up its demand for the resignation of Kerala excise minister K Babu over the Bar Bribery scam, opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) today decided to take out a march to the state assembly on November 30 on the opening day of its session.
Announcing the decision, LDF convenor Vaikom Viswam told reporters here: "It is clear that Babu had sought bribe from bar owners. So, he should resign and face investigation. A quick verification should also be done against him."
"Babu should resign, a case should be registered against him and probe ordered," he said.
The investigation process against Babu should be similar to the one launched against KC-M supremo K M Mani, former finance minister who was forced to resign early this month after Kerala High Court made stinging remarks against him in the bar bribery case, he said.

Kerala Bar Hotel Owners Association Working President Biju Ramesh, on whose corruption complaint a vigilance probe was held against Mani, had alleged that Rs 10 crore was paid to Babu for renewal of bar hotel licences.
Accusing the Congress-led UDF government of rendering "dual justice", Viswam said KC-M, a constituent of the ruling front also felt that justice was denied to its supremo.

Despite specific allegation against Babu, a proper probe as per the Vigilance manual was not held, he alleged adding this was only to protect the Congress Minister.
The LDF also criticised those close to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy for allegedly speaking out against the recent high court verdict in the bar case.

He also said the LDF would lead in Kerala the nation-wide protest, announced by the Left parties from December 1 to 6 against price rise.