New Delhi: Adding fuel to the bar bribery issues, bar owner Biju Ramesh alleged that Rs 2 crore was paid to KPCC President Ramesh Chennithala in the financial year 2012-13 to get a favourable result on the bar licence fee.

"We believe because of this the licence fee was not increased that year", Biju Ramesh said. The money was handed over directly as funds for congress to Chennithala at KPCC headquarters which was directed by CM Oommen Chandy, he added.

Biju said Rs 25 lakh was given to Health Minister V S Sivakumar ahead of the Neyyattinkara bypoll. Vasu, his personal assistant gave the money to Sivakumar.

"The donations received by the party are properly audited and hence all donations have been received only by giving receipts. The donations are usually received from individuals and the details are sent to AICC and also to central election commission," Chennithala said.
The Neyyattinkara bypoll was before the bar closer issue, Sivakumar said. "It has been made to personally tarnish my image," Sivakumar said. (input from agencies)