Monday, February 16, 2009

'Nava Kerala March' getting overwhelming response: Vijayan

CPI(M) Kerala Secretary Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday claimed that the ongoing 'Nava Kerala March' led by him was getting overwhelming response from the people.

Speaking to mediapersons at the government guest house here, he said performance of the CPI(M)-led LDF government in the state that had been functioning for the welfare of the people was evaluated by the public.

"Majority of the welfare steps taken by the government was a model for the country and as a result, the government, the LDF and the party are getting their support," he said.

Replying to a query whether a letter purportedly written by former Politburo member E Balanandan on the SNC Lavalin corruption case was discussed in the Politburo meeting on Saturday, he asked "how can there be a discussion on a non-existing letter?"

A magazine run by CPI(M) rebels had recently carried a 'letter' purportedly written by Balanandan in 1990s, expressing serious reservation on the decision to award the contract for renovation of three hydro electric projects in the state to the Canadian firm, SNC Lavalin, by the then LDF government in which Vijayan was the Electricity minister.

Vijayan declined to make any detailed discussion on the SNC Lavalin issue, in which CBI had sought the government's sanction to prosecute him.

Replying to a query whether the LDF Government led by Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan would complete its full term, Vijayan said "there need not be any concern on that".

Vijayan, who had arrived only last night after attending the Politiburo, sought to play down Achuthanandan's disassociation from the march so far.

"Everyone in this party will cooperate with the march and you need not have any doubt" he said, adding "when we have decided to organise the march, we did not think of lining the Ministers, but we will create awareness among the people on the attempts being made by some to destroy the achievements of the government."

On any decision was taken not to include Achuthanandan in the march, Vijayan said "these are your own observations". Vijayan criticised Leader of Opposition, Oommen Chandy's statement that the march should have been taken after solving the Chengara land struggle. "Land will be given to the deserving landless as per the government norms," he said.

To another query, after the Politiburo yesterday, will Vijayan and Achuthanandan move together, he said "are we not together. Are we not in the same party." Later, Vijayan left for Paravoor as part of the march. (PTI)

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