KOTTAYAM: Counteracting against criticisms and making his political stance clear, KPCC president V M Sudheeran has said that the wide acceptance being received by the Janapaksha Yatra has created some uneasiness in certain quarters, which is very much clear for the public. He was speaking at a press conference here on Monday as part of the campaigning of the yatra in the district.
Responding to a query on former KPCC president K Muraleedharan MLA’s criticism against the yatra, Sudheeran said those who once participated or associated with the yatra would never have any confusion (regarding the success of it). Earlier, Muraleedharan had termed his rally as a ‘vegetraian yatra’, pointing out that Sudheeran was raising issues like the prominence of vegetable cultivation and waste disposal, instead of raising political issues. Sudheeran countered the criticism saying that there is no need to pay heed to words of those, who are not participating in the rally. While continuing his clarifications, Sudheeran said that the bar lobby is totally disturbed in the recent developments in the state and some politicians, who are under the influential contact list of this lobby, are also disturbed. He also asserted that the party and the government will not bow down to the tactics of the vested interests and the bar lobby.
“It is natural that the powerful lobbies, which make huge profit through the sale of drugs and liquor, will resist the campaign against drugs. However, will move ahead with our campaigning,” he said.
He also expressed satisfaction in the controversies and criticisms raised against the yatra, claiming that it has created platform for discussions, which will auger well for purification in politics.
‘Cases Registered against Five Toddy Shops’
Kochi:The Excise Department has submitted before the Kerala High Court that cases were registered against five toddy shops at Cherthala Jetty, Veliyannur, Uzhavoor, Naduvattom and Kuzhalmannam under the Kerala Abkari Act for not maintaining proper hygiene. The toddy shops are functioning in violation of the norms stipulated under Kerala Abkari Shops Disposal Rules 2002. “Warning has been given to owners of toddy shops that, in case it is found that the shops are not maintaining hygienic, stringent steps will be taken against shops,” P K Manoharan, Deputy Commissioner of Excise, submitted.