Oommen Chandy Backs Tainted Minsters, Says Allegations Are Not Evidence

Thiruvananthapuram: The Congress list of candidates for the Kerala assembly elections was out on Monday evening after a long tussle between Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and state party chief VM Sudheeran over fielding tainted ministers.

Mr Sudheeran wanted to stop ministers and lawmakers facing corruption charges from contesting. But Mr Chandy has managed to convince the party's Central leadership that Excise minister K Babu and Revenue minister Adoor Prakash, both facing corruption charges, should be allowed to contest.

In the evening, the party released its list of 83 candidates, which includes 33 of 39 sitting legislators.

A vigilance court had ordered the police to take up a bribery case against K Babu, but the order had been stayed by the High Court. Revenue minister Adoor Prakash had a vigilance inquiry against him regarding a land case.

"If you look at allegations, I will be the forerunner in last five years. But I am not giving my seat to anyone. There is a huge difference between allegations and corruption," said the Chief Minister, who, for the better part of the day, was seen with Malayalam actor Jagadish -- now the party's star candidate.

The latest allegation to surface against the Chief Minister is contained in a letter by solar scam accused Saritha Nair, which levels allegations of sexual abuse.

But Mr Chandy is contesting for a record 11th time from Puthupally constituency, which he has been representing since 1970.

"I had put certain guidelines before the party high command that would be beneficial for the party, help it win with a bigger margin and have a stronger standing before the people," Mr Sudheeran told reporters. "I still hold the same view, but have accepted high commands decision and we have to fight this election as one."

Mr Chandy's close aide Benny Behanan was reportedly ejected by party vice president Rahul Gandhi as a move to placate Mr Sudheeran.

Earlier today, Mr Behanan, announced his decision to withdraw his candidature. In his place, former Lok Sabha member PT Thomas has been fielded.