LDF set to strike at Congress

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the UDF leadership closing ranks behind rape accused Kovalam MLA M Vincent, the ruling LDF has decided to take the opposition to task for defending an alleged rapist. The LDF believes that the stand taken by UDF is untenable given the fact that the victim has stood firm on the allegation that the MLA had raped her twice. A march led by LDF to the secretariat on Tuesday and the belligerence witnessed in the speeches of leaders clearly indicated that the ruling front was gearing up for an intensive campaign to expose what it calls the Congress leadership’s open support to a wrong-doer.

JD(S) leader and former Kovalam MLA Jameela Prakasham said the victim was being threatened with dire consequences. “Under these circumstances it is the responsibility of the civil society and the police to provide full protection to the woman. There is an attempt to silence her using all kinds of threats and even causing physical harm,” she said. She said UDF leaders who were in the forefront demanding resignation of an MP and two MLAs of  the LDF in connection with the statements made in actor assault case, have done a volte-face now. “Instead of distancing from the legislator, the KPCC and UDF leadership have pledged full support to him,” she added.

CPM leader Anavoor Nagappan mocked at KPCC president V.M. Sudheeran for his silence. “The victim is being hounded by Congress leaders. She is being accused of hatching a conspiracy against a powerful MLA. Why is Sudheeran silent on such crucial issues,” he asked. Political observers say though there is no precedent of legislators resigning on the charges of sexual harassment, the manner in which the Congress leadership including former chief minister Oommen Chandy, Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala and KPCC president M.M. Hassan have come out in total support of Vincent raised eyebrows. More than the resignation of MLA, the LDF seems to be keen on campaign against the top brass of Congress for their alleged anti-victim stand.