UDF to intensify stiron Sabarimala issue

The UDF has decided to intensify its protest in the Assembly and outside on the Sabarimala issue. A meeting of the high-power committee said that the front will continue the agitation till the government lifts the prohibitory orders at Sabarimala.

UDF convener Benny Behanan said that section 144 was extended at Sabarimala to prevent the Opposition from protesting against the lack of facilities there. "There is a nexus between the CPM and the BJP to prevent the flow of pilgrims," he said.

He later told reporters that the flood relief measures initiated by the LDF government were inadequate and that the UDF will hold protest rallies on Thursday.

"We will also intensify our protest against Higher Education Minister K. T. Jaleel and hold a dharna against him on December 5. The LDF is also trying to save Shoranur MLA P. K. Sasi. Mr A. K. Balan should resign as Law Minister," he said.

He alleged that the government was not probing the cases against CPM MLAs. A UDF sub-committee headed by Mr K. C. Joseph MLA, which studied the devastating floods, submitted its report to Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala. Mr Joseph demanded that the money received for the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund should be revealed.

"A social auditing should be held on the funds. Loans amounting to Rs 5 lakh should be written off. The government has not provided monetary benefits to those whose houses were destroyed in the floods," he said.

He demanded that a comprehensive scheme should be announced for Kuttanad. The sub-committee consisted of MLAs V. K. Ebrahimkunju, Mons Joseph and Anoop Jacob and UDF allies K. S. Sanal Kumar, A. Nizar and Kalathil Vijayan.