CPM to intensify stir against UDF failure' at Kochi Corporation

KOCHI: With the second anniversary of the UDF administration in the city corporation just a month away, the main Opposition  – the CPM – is up in arms. They allege lapses and delay in implementing major development projects including the piped domestic gas supply and RO-RO services. While the first anniversary was marred by an internal feud over the alleged “autocratic” approach of the mayor, Soumini Jain, this time the Opposition is planning to intensify stir against what they term as an administrative failure.

Regarding the city gas project, the party district leadership is in support of the chief minister’s decision to extend concessions the state-run utilities enjoy on road restoration charges to Adani group as well and wants the corporation to grant the permit at the earliest. “No development work is happening in the city, despite the projects which are being carried out by other agencies like KMRL and DMRC. The civic administration has failed in executing even the basic works. Despite having Union and state funds, no project could be completed on time,” alleged V.P. Chandran, the CPM floor leader.

“Since the deputy mayor is doubling as Congress district committee president, he is unable to perform in office effectively. Due to abysmal financial management and serious lapses in project implementation, the corporation is moving to an unprecedented financial crisis.” The CPM has already launched an agitation against the delay in  construction of RO-RO  terminal and levelled corruption charges against the mayor and the ruling dispensation. “We'll discuss with the party district leadership  a series of agitation,”  he said.