CPM behind time always, says Oommen Chandy

Thiruvananthapuram: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has come out against the International Congress on Kerala Studies of the CPM saying that there was a vast difference between the party’s practice and theory.

The LDF has always been 25 years behind Kerala’s development, he said.

They were against computerisation. After sometime, they realised that it was meant for the state’s development. Now they say that the development in the IT sector was not up to the mark, Mr Chandy said.

Those who chased away investors by conducting numerous bandhs and hartals are now saying that clearance for investors should be given in 30 days. Those who initiated anti-tractor agitation are now arguing for mechanisation of the farm sector. The conference was an example of such contradictions, Mr Chandy said.

Even in 2006, just before the elections, CPM had made similar tall claims by organising the conference. But, when they came to power, suggestions were kept in abeyance, he said.

The infighting in the party had created a situation where a single project could not be completed in time. Due to the infighting the file relating to SEZ status of 18 industrial park were held up in the office of the Chief Minister for over two years. The smart city project also did not take off due to the controversies relating to SEZ, Mr Chandy said.