United Democratic Front leaders on Thursday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) were trying to create communal division in society. They criticised the Central government, under Narendra Modi, and the State government, under Pinarayi Vijayan, for their alleged unpopular policies that had added to the woes of the people of the State.
The twin attack against the BJP-RSS and the CPI(M) was the highlight of the UDF’s day-and-night agitation in front of the Secretariat here and 12 Collectorates across the State on Thursday. The UDF leadership took care to give its agitation course a sharp edge in view of the BJP’s attempts to trigger a political discourse ahead of the Vengara byelection by organising the Janaraksha Yatra.
Inaugurating the agitation here, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president M.M. Hassan alleged that the Pinarayi Vijayan government had adopted a soft approach towards the Hindutva forces, led by Sangh Parivar, which was trying to fan extreme Hindutva feelings.
The manner in which the government handled the issue of RSS chief Mohan Bhagawat unfurling the national flag, Hindu Aikyavedi leader K.P. Sasikala’s inflammatory speeches, and the threats issued by a leader of an NDA constituent were a pointer to the LDF government’s attitude towards such issues.
The government was prompt in taking action against Mujahid workers who were attacked for distributing pamphlets in Paravur. The government also got the Public Works Department to carry out maintenance of roads for the benefit of BJP president Amit Shah who participated in the Janaraksha Yatra.
The agitation will conclude at 10 a.m. on Friday. Malappuram was exempted from the agitation on account of the Vengara byelection. The surprise appearance of Kerala Congress (M) working president P.J. Joseph at the agitation venue at Thodopuzha was a morale booster for the UDF, considering the fact that the Kerala Congress (M) has been maintaining a studious distance from the Congress ever since quitting the coalition.
Leader of the Opposition Ramesh Chennithala inaugurated the programme in Thrissur and former KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran in Ernakulam. Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was listed for Malappuram, where the programme had been deferred to October 19.