Kerala opposition alleges scam in urea sale

Thiruvananthapuram, March 12 (IANS) The Kerala assembly Friday witnessed uproarious scenes when a war of words broke out between Leader of Opposition Oommen Chandy and Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan over an alleged sale of subsidised urea meant for farmers to industries.

Seeking leave for an adjournment motion, Congress legislator V.D. Satheesan said that early this week three trucks of urea arrived at Kottayam and Kochi and TV channels exposed the shady deal between agricultural officials and
urea dealers, whereby the chemical fertiliser meant for farmers went to industrial houses.

"A metric tonne of urea costs Rs.21,000 but the centre provides subsidy to the extent of more than Rs.16,000 per tonne to benefit farmers. But, urea at subsidised rates does not reach the farmers. It goes to industries. The state government is sitting idle over this issue for more than four years now," Satheesan said.

State Agriculture Minister Mullakara Ratnakaran said the agriculture secretary will inquire into this and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.

Satisfied with the reply of the minister, Speaker K. Radhakrishnan denied leave for adjournment motion.

At this, Chandy intervened and said it is shameful that the current Left Front government is picketing Central government offices for the past five days protesting against withdrawal of subsidies.

"And here you have a classic case of selling subsidised urea to industries, which should have gone to farmers, and on the streets you are protesting against the centre. This is a shameless act because you are not only selling urea but also rice that is given to be supplied for mid-day meal scheme," Chandy said.

Immediately, Balakrishnan stood up and said the governemnt has records with that show that when in office during 2001-06, these Congress leaders, who are now talking about corruption, were involved in shady dealings.

"If that is the case, it has been four years since you are in office. Why is it that not a single case of corruption has been registered so far?" Chandy shot back.

This led to an uproar in the House, following which Chandy along with all opposition members walked out of the assembly.