Thiruvananthapuram:
LDF state committee decided to organize a
mass movement against the vindictive approach of
central agencies towards the state government on November 16. The protest at 25,000 centres in state, adhering to strict
Covid-19 protocols, will be led by chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers and MLAs.
LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan alleged that the attitude of the central agencies was such that whenever opposition levelled allegations, they would register a case and start probe.
“There is a larger conspiracy, to stall government’s development projects. State government is functioning with the powers assigned by the Constitution. Central agencies are misusing their powers to interrupt governance. This is unacceptable. We won’t obstruct genuine probes. The mass resistance is against the misuse of power by central agencies,” he said after the LDF meeting on Tuesday.
At the meeting, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan raised the issue of interference by central agencies. He detailed the bid of ED to probe projects such as K-FON and Life Mission. Sources quoted Vijayan blaming the opposition for taking up a lie-campaign against all prestigious projects of the government. He said that K-FON was a project for which KIIFB was making payment directly to BHEL and that too was being probed now. The recent allegations by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala about hi-tech school project were also dubbed as baseless by CM, said sources.
Vijayan said that the real aim of opposition and central agencies was to demoralize officials so that they wouldn’t take an active role in implementing path-breaking projects.
Expressing confidence that LDF will register a big win in local body polls, Vijayaraghavan said the slogan of UDF —a vote against corruption— will boomerang as several UDF leaders are already facing corruption charges. “MLA MC Kamaruddin is in prison. Another MLA is in the midst of investigation. Ebrahim Kunju is an icon of corruption. UDF will be in big trouble if they decide to expel corrupt leaders,” he said.
LDF also decided to intensify its intervention on social media so that all allegations by the opposition are dealt with facts. A subcommittee, led by Vijayaraghavan, was formed to ready a social media campaign strategy. Another panel, led by Vijayaraghavan, has been asked to finalize the manifesto for local body polls. The manifesto will be released as the contest picture becomes clear with the last date nomination.
LDF meeting was attended by the new constituent KC (M). Chairman
Jose K Mani and ex-MLA Stephan George represented the party. Jose thanked LDF constituents for understanding the party’s position and accommodating them in the front.
Complaints of various constituents, regarding seat sharing in some districts, were also discussed at the meeting and district leaderships were directed to sort out differences before Thursday when the nomination submission will begin.