Kochi, Nov. 8 -- AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal on Sunday responded to allegations of corruption and the alleged involvement of Minister M Liju flagged by former Excise Commissioner Sambasiva Rao, stating that nothing happens without the knowledge of ministers, while maintaining that controversies surrounding the matter had no relevance.

Speaking in Kochi, Venugopal said any irregularities, if found, should be treated as isolated incidents and that an acquaintance between the minister and a bar owner did not necessarily establish wrongdoing.

"Nothing happens without the minister's knowledge. If there is anything, those are isolated incidents. Controversies have no relevance. Can't M Liju have an acquaintance with a bar owner?" Venu...