Kochi : The Opposition Leader should withdraw his demands to halt rice distribution, Vishu kits and pension disbursements, and apologise to the people, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Is Oppn leader looking down upon the voters of Kerala as a lot that can be influenced with a little rice and some grocery?, asked CM addressing election campaign in Kochi.
The Opposition leader is trying to block kits, social security pensions and rice at concessional rates to people. At first it appeared that the Opposition leader would be content with verbal attack on the government. However, he took the step further making 3 crucial demands in his letter to the Election Commission(EC) on his official letter pad.
The demands sought halting distribution of rice to children at school until election was over, instructing State Food and Civil Supplies to stop distribution of Vishu kits until April 6 and finally to ensure that pensions for April and May are not remitted before 6 April.
Rice distribution for school children is not based with foresight on elections. Rather, it has been done in the past. As a matter of policy, surplus rice lying government is distributed among school going children . Need the practice be stopped because the state has elections? Talking about Vishu kits, there is Easter falling on 4th of April. So what could possibly be wrong with the festival kit distribution ?
It was suggested that the Opposition leader revoke his demands, but he responded claiming he would be firm on his stand. And, what does that mean ? Is government remitting social security pensions with view to elections ? Does Vishu, Easter and Ramadan arrive eyeing elections in state ? Is surplus rice distributed to children owing to elections each time ?
The trust people bestow on this government is based on their experience of five years now. And it is petty mindedness to be hoping to shatter that trust by blocking rice, kits and pensions to people. UDF is adamant that nothing beneficial to the people should take place.
We have heard opposition leaders’ criticisms over distributing food kits to people during covid crisis. Sangh Parivar propagated rumours that kits originated from the Centre. The state was only handing over kits received from the Centre, they said. Way down however, they had nothing to say. The Opposition leader is now looking to block rice, kits and pensions to the people - a thinking that’s way too narrow. said CM.
