Thiruvananthapuram: There is no need to wage war against the government pointing to Sivasankar, said Chief Minister, adding that, current interpretations are attempt to sling corruption muck on the government, by dumping all of an official’s personal doings atop the government’s head. The state government cannot be held responsible for the private dealings made or personal relations struck by central government officials, CM told reporters at a media briefingin the capital.
No attempt has been made at any point to protect breach of law. When Sivasankar’s acquaintance with gold smuggling culprit became known, he was shoved aside. A preliminary inquiry headed by Chief Secretary was soon initiated, based up on which, Sivasankar was later sent into suspension. A department level-inquiry into the matter is currently advancing.
The state government is in no way to blame in this issue. As an official working at the Chief Minister’s Office, Sivasankar might have held talks with the UAE Consulate. The opportunity to engage with the Consulate General and those assisting him, is part of the job. And, it is only natural that Chief Minister or other ministers might have been seen with the Consulate General and his officials at meetings of routine nature . Portraying such engagements as otherwise is malicious misinterpretation. No minister or party leadership has done anything outside the ordinary course of their duty.
When the breach of Customs norm came to light, , the government immediately took necessary action. The Opposition and some others are now trying to distort the whole issue and in an attempt to tie it to the government. Such plot had crumbled earlier, but they are at it again, this time, with a new makeover. Enforcement Directorate(ED), CBI, Customs and such agencies are making investigations. Let them carry out those probes freely. The state government has never opposed proper investigations. However, if the course of probe breaches limits of law, what’s wrong in seeking judicial solution to the situation ?, asked CM.
It has been made clear several times in the past that, this government will never be a privy to corruption or protect wrong doers. All that the Opposition wants now is, to throw up baseless allegations and submerge state’s welfare efforts for the public, said CM.
Have Not Known Sivasankar Before
“I have not known or met with M Sivasankar before this government came into power,” clarified CM. When seeking to entrust governmental duties, Sivasankar was one of the names topping the recommended list. The list bore names of IAS officials who were veterans in multiple areas of state administration. The list did not offer scope for any suspicion.
When Sivasankar assumed duties, he became Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Initially, Nalini Netto was appointed to handle the Home department and Sivasankar as Officer on Special Duty. Nalini later became the Principal Secretary succeeded by Sivasankar later up on promotion.
All officials working at Chief Minister’s Office(CMO) are assumed trustworthy. There is never a suspicion until something untoward turns up. The propaganda that Sivasankar was appointed up on party recommendation is incorrect. Party does not engage in anything like that. The official’s vast experience in different areas of administration was the sole highlight at the time of his appointment, CM clarified.
