Kerala CM challenges party line,says ‘can’t question CBI’

“To question the move (of CBI) is like questioning the court”,he added.

“I am under the oath of a public office and that is the only reason why I do not and cannot challenge the court directive. Meanwhile,there could be others who oppose the move and they may have their own reasons to justify it,” Achuthandan said.

The Chief Minister is understood to have conveyed his view when he met CPM general secretary Prakash Karat on Tuesday.

Asked if he was underplaying the gravity of the Lavalin case as any of his party colleagues could be corrupt,he said,”a Communist leader has never been and can never be corrupt”.

Asked if that meant that Vijayan was not a true communist,Achuthanandan said,”it could be your view. I have told you what I think on this issue.”

Achuthandan said any further move on the case would be discussed by the state cabinet.

“I am not ready to talk to you in detail on the issue. I have only conveyed to you what my stand is on the issue,” he added when further pressed on the matter.