KOZHIKODE: A cultural programme to boost Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s image, that has taken a beating due to the political violence, will be held in Pinarayi. The five-day programme, ‘Pinarayi Peruma,’ will kickstart on April 9 with the participation of artists such as Manju Warrier, Vineeth Srinivasan, Lakshmi Gopalaswamy, Stephen Devassy and Gopinath Muthukad among others. The programme is being organised by a cultural committee, including representatives of political parties except the BJP.
According to sources, Mr Vijayan has intervened to project himself in his home town and constituency at a time when the BJP has alleged a breakdown in the law and order situation even in his constituency. “The programme is a deliberate attempt to build up his image. His additional private secretary was present at the organising committee meeting,” said a source. After Mr Vijayan assumed charge as CM, his constituency, Dharmadam, witnessed four political killings of both BJP and CPM workers. Hundreds of houses were attacked on both sides and the BJP conducted a protest rally to the CPM headquarters in New Delhi over the violence in Kannur.
But Mr K.K. Rajeevan, organising committee chairman and Thalassery block panchayat president, told DC that the programme has no political tone. “It’s for the unity of all people of Pinarayi, irrespective of any divisions,” he said. BJP state council member R.K. Giridharan said that the BJP was not invited for any meeting of the programme. “If it is for all, we also should have been called. This is a futile exercise in the wake of the anarchy in the state,” he said.
