R Chandrasekharan to continue as INTUC state president

Thrissur: Amid corruption allegations levelled against him, INTUC Kerala unit president R Chandrasekharan on Saturday claimed that the organization’s state executive committee had unanimously asked him to continue as state president.With this, there appears to be little possibility of Chandrasekharan stepping down from the post, despite the Congress-led state govt’s decision to grant sanction for his prosecution over alleged corruption during his tenure as chairman of Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC).Earlier, there were reports of growing demands within INTUC calling for Chandrasekharan’s resignation. Among those reportedly seeking his resignation was the organization’s national secretary, K P Haridas.Speaking to reporters after the executive committee meeting, Chandrasekharan rejected the allegations against him and said he was ready to face any inquiry. He alleged that the charges were part of a conspiracy to weaken INTUC.Chandrasekharan also said there was nothing improper about him receiving a copy of the govt order sanctioning his prosecution. Responding to questions, he said only the leaders of the former LDF govt could explain why they had not granted sanction for his prosecution during their tenure.

He further alleged that attempts were being made to hold him responsible for all the corruption that allegedly took place in KSCDC between 2005 and 2015. Chandrasekharan maintained that he served as chairman of the corporation only from 2012 to 2015.