Kochi: The Election Commission’s(EC) order to halt distribution of 10 kg rice at Rs 15/kilo to the priority card holders came upon complaint from Opposition leader. Ramesh Chennithala’s letter in this regard is now out, wherein he urges EC to ban the rice distribution that is being carried out in the state.
Sniffing public opposition over his action, Chennithala propelled propaganda that he never asked for anything like that.
In reality, Chennithala on his official letter pad, made 3 demands to EC. First, rice distribution in schools should be stopped until elections are over. Next, the State Food and Civil Supplies should be instructed to stall distribution of Vishu festival kits until 6th of April. And lastly, the combined social security pensions for month of April and May should not be paid before 6 April..
Following the above letter, EC issued order banning distribution of 10 kg rice at Rs 15/kg for months of March and April. Incidentally, the government decision to distribute concessional rice in view of Vishu, Easter and Ramadan had come much earlier to election code coming into force.
However, using elections as cover, it is Opposition goal to hamper any kind governmental relief from reaching the people.
