Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday scoffed at the Opposition’s “new theory” that his “maximalist” positions had caused the rout of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) in the Lok Sabha elections.
Capping the discussion on demands for grants in the 2018-19 for the police and prisons in the Assembly, Mr. Vijayan said the Opposition’s new line of attack was one centred on the false premise that the public harboured an “extreme fear of Pinarayi” and had sought cover from the government by throwing their lot in with the United Democratic Front (UDF).
The UDF had attempted to create a smokescreen by spreading the myth of “Pinarayi phobia”. However, the public knew better.’
Journalistic freedom
In Uttar Pradesh, the police had registered a case on its own against two journalists who criticised Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and thrown them into jail.
In contrast in Kerala, a television presenter, who openly incited communal passions, continued to do his “divisive work” unmolested.
The Sangh Parivar had helped the Congress deny the LDF a victory in several constituencies. Congress pulled the wool over the eyes of secular voters by posturing that they were the incoming power at the Centre and Rahul Gandhi their Prime Minister. The people had realised the hoax, he said.
Officials’ reinstatement
Earlier, the Opposition pummelled the government for reinstating A.V. George, SP, and Shibu, SI, who had come under a cloud following their alleged involvement in the custodial death of Sreejith at Varapuzha and honour killing of Kevin in Kottayam. It attempted to put the ruling front in the dock for granting parole to CPI(M) men convicted of political murder.
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MLA, of the Congress, made fun of Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran whom he said was making amends for the Chief Minister’s assault on Sabarimala traditions by “orbiting temples bare-chested and in penitence”.
He challenged Mr. Vijayan to name the LDF legislator who had demanded that the government shield a gold smuggler from a possible COFEPOSA charge.
The Crime Branch investigations into the Periya twin murders was a cover-up job to save CPI(M) men. “The Crime Branch had made the wife of the main accused as the main prosecution witness in the case. Who will believe a woman will testify against her husband?”, he asked.
The House later passed the demands by vote.
