UDF lays siege to Government Secretariat on LDF government’s 2nd anniversary
The Hindu
The UDF accused the CPI (M)-led Kerala Government of breaking promises and looting the public, and released a ‘chargesheet’ of alleged failures
The United Democratic Front (UDF) staged a massive demonstration in the State capital as the Congress-led coalition laid siege to the Government Secretariat here on the second anniversary of the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government on Saturday.
Several thousands of activists besieged the gates of the Secretariat as early as 7 a.m. as the Opposition targeted the “inhumane and corruption-ridden Government”. A “chargesheet” listing the alleged failures of the Government was also released during the protest.
Inaugurating the massive rally, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan tore into the Government as he highlighted its various “anti-people policies” that have pushed large sections to dire straits.
Charging the LDF government with several wrongdoings, he said the public will prosecute the Pinarayi Vijayan government for misgovernance, corruption, breakdown of law and order, unemployment and rampant tax loot.
“Besides placing an immense tax burden on the public, the government has hiked water and power tariffs, building permit fees and other essential utilities. At the same time, it has turned a blind eye towards the woes of large sections, who have been facing revenue recovery proceedings. Many families have been forced out of their homes with banks and other financial institutions going ahead with steps to attach houses and farmlands. Lakhs of recovery notices were served last year, despite the Opposition demanding a freeze on such measures,” he said.
He also accused the LDF government of doing little for the farming community that have been battling various odds to earn a living.
“The procurement of raw coconuts has stalled with numerous farmers facing immense losses. The rubber sector has also been facing a steady decline as the LDF government remained a mute spectator to the unfolding tragedy. While the Oommen Chandy government had utilised ₹500 crore towards a price stabilisation fund that had been instituted for rubber, the LDF has released merely ₹33 crore thus far. Moreover, the packages that had been announced for Kasaragod, Idukki and Wayanad have remained unfulfilled promises,” Mr. Satheesan added.
While residents are worried over deaths due to diarrhoea in Vijayawada, officials still grapple to find the root cause. Contaminated drinking water supplied by VMC officials is the reason, insist people in the affected areas, but officials insist that efforts are on to identify the disease and that those with symptoms other than diarrhoea too are visiting the health camps.