THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI ministers boycotting the Cabinet meet was not a desirable move in coalition politics, the LDF has observed. The CPM termed it a violation of coalition dharma, while the CPI justified its action. The LDF leadership came to the conclusion that situations leading to such a scenario should not be repeated.
The CPI’s extreme step of keeping away from the Cabinet meet to put pressure on the Chief Minister in the Thomas Chandy issue came under criticism at the LDF meet on Sunday. The CPI however stood by its decision.
The Cabinet boycott was the first item on Sunday’s agenda. The issue raised by the CPM leadership was supported by LDF allies. CM Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan criticised the CPI action.
“It was observed that taking such an extreme step was not suited for a coalition government and it could be viewed as a loss of collective responsibility. Ideally, such an extreme step could have been avoided,” sources said.
However, the CPI pointed out it was a political decision taken by the party leadership. The grave situation in the Chandy issue was communicated to the CPM state secretary. Also, they had informed the Chief Minister about the decision to stay away from the Cabinet.
“There’s no point in criticism regarding collective responsibility. Attendance in the Cabinet meet cannot be the criteria for the same. Only if a Cabinet decision is violated can we say the government has lost it collective responsibility,” sources said.
To Kanam’s statement that it was a party decision to stay away from the Cabinet, Kodiyeri retorted by asking “What if all parties in the LDF start taking such decisions?”
No discussions were held on the entry of new parties to the LDF, said LDF convener Vaikom Viswan. He said he has only information from the media regarding K M Mani’s entry. “A decision on admitting any party to the front will be taken after discussions in the LDF,” he said.
However, sources said the LDF is fully in favour of taking M P Veerendra Kumar’s JD (U) into the front. “Once he resigns from the Rajya Sabha and comes out of the UDF, the LDF will discuss it in detail,” sources said.
LDF asks govt to address construction sector crisis
T’Puram: The LDF meet urged the government to address the crisis in the state’s construction sector which has come to a standstill after quarries were closed down, LDF convener Vaikom Viswan said. He said the sector is facing a major issue after quarries are being closed down by Collectors and RDOs citing environmental reasons.
“Lakhs have become jobless and the construction sector is in trouble. The LDF has asked the government to urgently hold talks to address the issue,” he said, adding there are similar issues regarding sand being brought from outside the state.
The LDF urged the government to also address issues related to replanting of rubber tress in the plantation sector. Ensuring proper accommodation for plantation workers including repairing their layam - line houses - was also part of the demands put forth by LDF. The plantation workers should be given adequate housing facilities, the LDF said. Issues due to delays in ration distribution were also discussed at the meet on Sunday.