Stories
Kerala Sports Minister Alleges Previous LDF Govt Facilitated Failed Messi Event
- •Kerala Sports Minister O J Janeesh accused the previous LDF government and former minister V Abdurahiman of facilitating a failed football event featuring Lionel Messi.
- •Janeesh claimed Abdurahiman initiated discussions based on unauthorized emails, leading to government officials providing facilities for the event.
- •The minister stated that the corruption lies in using government machinery to lend credibility to the private sponsor, Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), not just direct financial loss.
- •Government involvement, including claims of Messi's attendance and meetings with high-ranking officials, created credibility for the event, encouraging public investment.
- •Janeesh confirmed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) will probe the irregularities, including the role of the previous government and unpaid dues to an agency for lighting arrangements.
Key Questions Answered
Sports Minister O J Janeesh alleged that the previous LDF government and former minister V Abdurahiman initiated discussions using unauthorized emails, misused government machinery to give credibility to the sponsor Reporter Broadcasting Company (RBC), and allowed public facilities to be utilized.
The Sports Department conducted an inquiry, examined the relevant files, and handed them over to the Chief Minister, who subsequently directed the Home Department to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities.
Sports Minister O J Janeesh stated that the agency responsible for handling lighting arrangements at the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) stadium in Kochi lodged a formal complaint reporting they had not been paid a single rupee for their services.
