KOCHI: The rally led by Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala, 'Padayorukkam', was accorded a warm reception as it entered Ernakulam district on Friday. The rally began its district-tour from Aluva where hundreds of UDF workers gathered to receive Chennithala from Paravur Junction. Later, receptions were accorded at Angamaly, Kalamassery, North Paravur and at the Ernakulathappan Ground in Kochi.The UDF workers from Ernakulam, Thrikkakara, Vypeen and Kochi Assembly constituencies took part in the meeting addressed by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“We have decided to collect one crore signatures from people against the anti-people policies of the Central and state governments," said Chennithala."However, the signatures would go above what we anticipated. This reflects the people's anger against the BJP-led NDA Government at the Centre and the CPM-led LDF Government in the state. While we commenced the march, LDF leaders alleged UDF would weaken following factional feud. However, at present, LDF has lost its political base and the government its collective responsibility."
He said three of the LDF ministers had to quit within one-and-a-half years of its rule. "More would follow in the coming days," he said.Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, senior Congress leader Vayalar Ravi, K V Thomas MP, UDF convener P P Thankachan, K Muraleedharan MLA, IUML leader Abdu Samad Samadani, N K Premachandran MP, M K Muneer MLA, UDF secretary Johny Nelloor, Forward Block leader G Devarajan and Anoop Jacob MLA also spoke. DCC president T J Vinod welcomed the gathering while UDF district chairman M O John delivered the vote of thanks. MLAs from the district also attended the meetings at various locations.
The second day of the rally will commence from Tripunithura.
Later, receptions will be accorded at Piravom, in the morning, Pattimattom at 3 pm and at Perumbavoor at 4 pm. A public reception will be accorded on its arrival at 5 pm at Muvattupuzha where the tour will conclude for the day. According to UDF leaders, there will be no tour on Sunday. The next day's programme will begin at Kothamangalam before the rally proceeds to Idukki district.