CMP leader K R Aravindakshan’s attempts to break the present deadlock met with a cold response. He was able to break the ice at the outset when thousands of LDF workers laid siege to the Secretariat but abruptly ended it. LDF convenor and CPM leader Vaikom Viswan turned down the attempts of the CMP leader.
“There is no compromise at all on the demand for including the role of Chief Minister’s office in the Terms of Reference,” he said. Aravindakshan, when contacted by ‘Express’, said that he had taken the initiative on his own.
“It was not on the directive of the Chief Minister or anyone else in the UDF. I’m aware of the difficulties posed by an intense stir for both spearheading it and targetted by it. It was only a friendly talk with Vaikom Viswan to look at ways for a solution,” he said. Vaikom Viswan admitted that Aravindakshan had telephoned him but asserted that he was told that there would be no going back on the demands. KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala also maintained that no mediator had been assigned to talk to the LDF on the Terms of Reference. “The stand of the Opposition that it was not ready for talks is irresponsible. It is unheard of in the state. It is understood that the Opposition has given their discussions running to eight pages. The government and the UDF will discuss it,” Ramesh said, at a news conference here.
“The LDF Secretariat siege was announced as a final stir to unseat the Chief Minister. It was withdrawn after realisation dawned that it had no support of the masses. Then what is the meaning and where is the scope of a new stir?” he asked.