THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Terming the killing of Maoists in Nilambur unfortunate, senior CPM leader M A Baby said shooting to death those with ideological differences was not Left Government’s approach.
“The Government should not shoot those engaging in guerrilla warfare. That’s not the LDF Government’s approach,” Baby said while addressing a meet-the- press organised by the Kesari Trust as part of Kerala at 60 here on Monday. That’s why the Left Government ordered a judicial probe into the issue, he said. On wider Left cooperation, Baby said those who propagate extremist ideology should decide whether armed struggle will help the Communist ideology in a democratic system. Such incidents would only adversely affect the Left, he said.
To question on his stance regarding the Athirappilly hydroelectric project, Baby said a scientific approach is needed. A decision should be taken based on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). “Whether it can be implemented as a small-scale project should also be verified. If there’s environmental damage that cannot be reversed,” he added. Currently there’s no situation for any minister to step down, Baby said, referring to the demands for the resignation of ministers Mercykutty Amma and M M Mani. During its seven months, the Left Government showed that it is is ready to correct mistakes when pointed out.
Unlike the previous government, there’s no situation where ministers will hang on to power, Baby said. Responding to queries, the CPM leader said E P Jayarajan resigned from the Cabinet as the LDF, the CPM and Jayarajan were convinced about the same.
There’s no such situation regarding other ministers against whom allegations were raised. The party Central leadership will look into the charges against Jayarajan based on the report by the state committee. The recently concluded CPM central committee has reviewed the functioning of the seven-month-old Left Government in the state and assessed that there are many noticeable initiatives.
When Kerala completes 60 years, casteism is coming back to society in new forms, Baby said.