THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The meeting called by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday gains significance with the Munnar issue snowballing into a political firestorm.
The meeting has been called in the backdrop of the smoldering agitation in the high ranges against Devikulam Sub-Collector Sreeram Venkatraman, who had initiated stern action against illegal high-rises and encroachments. The findings and recommendations of the Assembly Committee on Environment and the Revenue Land Commissioner’s report will also be discussed in the meeting.
The CPM-CPI ties had reached a flashpoint over the eviction drive in the hill town. Though the CPM top brass pushed for the removal of Venkatraman, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan stood firm behind the Sub-Collector. The minister averred the government was resolved to end illegal constructions in Munnar and the officers were acting only in accordance with the government policy. However, the CPM and CPI leadership in Idukki have been clamouring for the officer’s ouster.
Devikulam MLA S Rajendran, the most vocal among the detractors, alleged the minister was being misled by those around him. Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan and Power Minister M M Mani, among others, will take part in the meeting.