Kasargod, Thursday, December 30, 2010: CPI State secretary C.K. Chandrappan today alleged that the Centre was fully responsible for the decision to conduct aerial spraying of endosulfan over the cashew estates of the Plantation Corporation of Kerala (PCK). Speaking to the reporters at a press meet in Kasargod today, Chandrappan alleged that the Centre had granted certificate and permission for the production and the aerial spraying of endosulfan in the cashew estates.

While responding to the lottery issue, Chandrappan backed Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan’s stand demanding a CBI probe into the Inter State lottery case. VS had earlier appealed to the Centre for initiating a CBI probe into the Inter state lottery case. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Achuthanandan has sought permission for a CBI probe into the lottery issue.

The Central Home Ministry had earlier informed that the State government’s request for a CBI probe can be considered if the State would request for a probe as per the rules. The Home Ministry informed this to a reply to PT Thomas, MP.