THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Finance minister TM Thomas Isaac, on Monday, called on speaker Sreeramakrishnan to explain his part after the opposition moved a breach of privilege notice against him for leaking the CAG report, which according to the minister questioned the constitutional validity of KIIFB
The minister, who reached the official chamber of the speaker a little after 4pm, held discussions with the speaker for around an hour. It’s learnt that Isaac has handed over a written explanation, running into half a dozen pages, on the basis of which the speaker is expected to initiate further action on the breach of privilege notice moved by Congress MLA and public accounts committee chairman VD Satheesan.
Isaac later told reporters that he has informed the speaker about his willingness to appear before the ethics and privilege committee in connection with the report leak. Isaac has been reiterating his stand that he was willing to face whatever action, which the speaker deemed fit, for speaking about the content of a CAG that according to rules should be first placed in the assembly.
Isaac claimed that he was under the impression that CAG would seek government’s opinion before making adverse comments on such important matters. He stuck to his original claim that he mistook the final report for a draft and was aware about its finality only later on. “I’m ready to accept any punishment. I’m ready to explain my part before the privileges and ethics committee, provided the speaker chooses to do so,” he added.
Following rumours and unconfirmed reports about the speaker being displeased over the way he took things into his hands with apparent disdain towards the privileges and stature of the house, Sreeramakrishnan had issued a press note, on Nov 26, summarily rejecting rumours. “Seeking explanation in such case is routine procedure and nothing more happened. Rumours don’t signify anything real,” he said.