Police come in for criticism at CPI(M) Idukki district meeting

Delegates at the CPI(M) Idukki district conference in Thodupuzha.
| Photo Credit: JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

According to sources, on the second day of the meeting, the delegates raised criticism against the Home department. The statements made by former Power Minister and Udumbanchola MLA M.M. Mani were also criticised.

A demand for the resignation of Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran was also made during the meeting. The delegates questioned the government’s decision to allowing him to remain in the post even after the Minister expressed his willingness to resign.

The Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] and its Minister Roshy Augustine also faced huge criticism at the meeting. “The Minister’s performance is not up to the mark. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) was not benefited in any manner after aligning with the KC(M),” according to party activists.

CPI(M) State secretary M.V. Govindan and Industries Minister P Rajeeve at the CPI(M) Idukki district conference in Thodupuzha.
| Photo Credit:
JOMON PAMPAVALLEY

The Catholic Church leadership distancing themselves from the party was also raised during the meeting. “The party, with much hype, decided to contest Joyce George as the LDF candidate in the Idukki constituency in the last Parliament election. However, it lost the seat by a 1.5 lakh vote margin. The party leadership should seriously consider this issue,” urged the delegates.

The increasing human-wildlife conflicts also came for discussion during the meeting, with delegates criticising the Forest department’s failure in addressing the issue. A lack of cooperation between the Forest and Revenue department was also pointed out.

Several area committees also raised criticism against the CPI(M) State and district leadership. The lack of implementation of the Land Assignment (Amendment) Act in the district was also criticised with the delegates pointing out the government’s failure in dealing with the land-related issues in Idukki.

The conference will conclude on Thursday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the public meeting at 4 p.m.