In an interview to News 18, senior CPI leader C Divakaran has accused the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the Congress party of striking a secret agreement to prematurely halt the Solar scam protest. Divakaran’s allegations have ignited a fresh wave of controversy, casting doubts on the motives and integrity of the political parties involved.
Recalling the tense atmosphere during the Solar scam protest, Divakaran emphasized the moment when LDF protesters had encircled the Secretariat. The demonstration had gained significant momentum, with protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the thorough investigation of the scam.
As tensions escalated, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy sought the assistance of the central government. In an attempt to diffuse the situation, a two-day holiday was declared, allowing for negotiations to take place.
It was during these discussions that, according to Divakaran, an unexpected understanding was reached between Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and the LDF. This sudden turn of events led to the decision to call off the protest, leaving many questioning the nature and consequences of the alleged agreement.
Divakaran said that the party told him that an understanding was reached. As it was the party’s decision, he obeyed it. He left AKG Center silently without saying anything. The CPI leader said that the initiative for the agreement was taken by then Home Minister, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan.
C Divakaran said that the protest should not have ended like that.
The LDF government, led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist), had staged a 30-hour siege of the Secretariat on August 12, 2013, demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Oommen Chandy. The protest concluded when the government accepted the LDF’s demand for a judicial investigation into the solar scam.
The solar scam, which took place in 2013, involved a company called Team Solar duping numerous individuals by promising to install solar power panels and offering partnership in the company. The company received advance payments from unsuspecting victims.
Several ministers of the United Democratic Front (UDF) government were implicated in the scandal, with even Chief Minister Oommen Chandy being accused of having connections to Saritha Nair, the director of Team Solar.
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