The Kerala government's claim that they were unaware of the MoU signed in connection with the deep-sea fishing controversy is refuted. A leading media organisation claims that they have the supporting documents to show that all the discussions with EMCC, the American company, happened with the knowledge of the CM's office.
The documents that the media organisation received under the Right to Information Act show that the Chief Minister's office was aware of everything happening from last December to the signing of the MoU on February 2.
Reportedly, Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) had briefed the Chief Minister's Additional Private Secretary Dinesh Bhaskar, Additional Private Secretary TK Jose, Chief Minister's Personal Staff Member Suneesh and Press Secretary PM Manoj at various stages about the discussions with the US company.
According to reports, a day before the signing of the MoU, Dinesh Bhaskar was informed about the deal and he replied that he will pass the information to Chief Minister. In addition, KSINC MD Prashanth wrote a note on the MoU file saying that he had discussed the matter with Dinesh Bhaskar and that the CM would attend the MoU signing ceremony online.
Also, on February 2, a message was sent informing 12 noon as the time for signing MoU. It also said that they had received a work order worth Rs 1,200 crore. Even CM's additional Chief Secretary TK Jose was also aware of the same.
Meanwhile, while reacting to the controversy, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala alleged that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was aware of all transactions in connection with the deep-sea fishing deal. He said, "It is now clear that the Chief Minister was aware of the scam. Chief Minister himself was behind the deal and the government was trying to sell the coastal area of Kerala."
