Heat in Kerala assembly as opposition names Vadra for influence peddling

Thiruvananthapuram, June 18 (IANS) The Left and the government Wednesday engaged in a heated spat in the Kerala assembly when the former referred to Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra's purported influence in a building complex in the state.

Seeking leave for an adjournment motion, CPI-M legislator P. Sreeramakrishnan said because of Vadra's influence, all rules were being broken for an upcoming apartment complex of DLF Real estate company in Kochi.

"Haven't you all heard what happened in Haryana when a government official said rules are being bent for DLF and large segments of land were converted into real estate overnight as it involved Vadra," said Sreeramakrishnan.

At this point, Speaker G. Karthikeyan intervened and said there was no reason to mention the name of Vadra. This move was welcomed by the treasury benches, while the opposition benches were not too pleased.

Leader of Opposition V.S. Achuthanandan wanted to know if the Oommen Chandy government was prepared to demolish the apartments built on encroached backwaters at Chilavanoor in Kochi.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, in his reply, said the apartment complex had sought permission in 2007 when Achuthanandan was at the helm of affairs.

"Your government gave the clearance for construction in 2008 and a huge majority of the building was constructed during your tenure," said Chandy.

He also said that it was not fair to drag Vadra's name.

"Why do you want to drag his name," asked Chandy.

He said the chief secretary was studying the issue of the DLF flats and once he submits his report, it would be presented to the assembly.