THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The RSP on Saturday advised that the SNC-Lavalin case should be dealt with legally, and that open agitation against Governor R.S.Gavai’s decision to allow the prosecution of CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan went against the interests of the LDF.
The Governor’s decision was “unfortunate,’’ but open agitations would serve only to antagonise the public. The RSP secretariat which met here also urged the CPM to take the initiative and end the political differences in the LDF.
“This is an occasion for the LDF to learn from the recent drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections and work unitedly. Political differences were the sole reason why the Government failed to convince the public about its proud achievements in the development and welfare sectors. CPM should take steps to end the differences and strengthen the front,’’ a statement issued by RSP state secretary V P Ramakrishna Pillai said.
The RSP also noted that the Governor’s decision to go against the opinion of a democratically-elected Government and approve the prosecution did not conform to democratic procedures.
“While the Governor is vested with the right to use self-discretion in reaching decisions, this Constitutional right should be exercised fairly and on the basis of precedents,’’ the statement said.
Also, it gave rise to doubts that the Governor did not inform the State Government of his decision first, especially after he had gone against the Government’s opinion on the issue, the RSP noted.
GOVERNOR ACTED IN HASTE: MONS JOSEPH
Works Minister Mons Joseph said that the Governor had acted in haste with regard to the SNC-Lavalin case. If the Governor had any reservation on the file sent by the Cabinet he should have return it to the Cabinet, he said.
He was speaking to newsmen here on Saturday after visiting the St Joseph’s College for Women which was vandalised by the CPM activists while observing the black day. The present move by the Governor is in violation of democratic principals as well as the rules and regulations of the State administration.
Mons Joseph said that the allegation that governance had come to a standstill in the State was baseless and the Government was going ahead with the full support of the ministers.
