Eating beef is now part of the political resistance against fascism in the changed scenario across the country, observed Santosh Echikanam, noted writer. He was addressing a ‘beef fest’ organised by the Students Federation of India at Govt. Law College here on Thursday. Mr. Santosh pointed out that citizens have the freedom to choose the food they would like to eat and clothes they want to wear. Permitting the government to intervene in our food habits cannot be allowed, he said.
Mr. Santosh accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance in the Centre of twisting and tweaking history in tune with its interests.
Sajitha Madathil, noted theatre actor, said that the freedom to express one’s ideas had hit a new low under the NDA regime.
In fine print
Kerala Printers’ Association has warned that the organisation and families, workers and well-wishers associated with it would not vote for candidates who printed their campaign posters and banners outside the State for the ensuing local body elections. A statement issued by the Association said that printers in Kerala had the capacity and facilities to print election campaign materials in time and in a cost-effective manner. When posters and banners are printed outside, the State government also stands to lose in terms of tax money, the statement added. In other terms, job opportunities are lost for the workers in the State printing establishments.
Slip of the tongue
People who frequent public meetings have to often endure delay in the programme’s schedule and rituals and speeches, unmindful of the boredom members of the audience put up with.
A function organised last week to commence widening and development of Vyttila Kunnara Park-Pettah Road took things one step further—people’s representatives showered praise on each other’s skills at surmounting hassles for development projects.
One of them praised an MLA for his never-say-die attitude when faced with obstacles. “He is like an ‘ atta’ (millipede) hooked to what he feels is just,” he thundered. This prompted many to say, “He must have meant ‘ udumbu’ (monitor lizard).”
Pointing to a Minister, a senior politician known for his frankness remarked that he knows how to give ‘pani’ (to show someone ones place) to those who try to act smart with him, again drawing jeer from the audience.
G. Krishnakumar,
K.A. Martin and John L. Paul
