Kasaragod : Whatever the kind of army Congress arrives with against K-Rail, the Left front knows better how to deal with these political protests, said CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. Isn’t Congress conducting joining up with BJP to carry out these protests? Stump removed by Congress leader gets carried away by BJP leader. That’s s just about what’s happening. Right? Their stand is to not allow any kind of development while LDF rules. Should Kerala be allowed to remain as it is? That’s unacceptable, said Kodiyeri
The Left did not oppose High Speed Rail project when proposed by UDF during its tenure. The Left welcomed the plan. At the time, Oomen Chandy had said the State will come upon funds from the Japanese govt via DMRC. Although way bigger that SilverLine, the Left only extended support for the project. The foundation stone too was laid for the project. We never pullout any of them Those now protesting for the sake of protest should remember all of that.
The social impact assessment being carried out is in accordance with High Court decision. The Centre granted consent for preparing the Detailed Project Report(DPR). What now remains is final approval. Final approval is given away only after land acquisition is complete, the reason why Rail Corporation will not turn its back on the project.
Incidentally, rail projects of similar kind are underway in eight other states ruled by BJP and Congress. Nobody has any kind of protest there. Efforts to stall the project is exclusive to Kerala.
Laying of survey stone does not mean land will get taken over the very next day. Acquisition will be done only after paying of adequate compensations to property owners. A project is not implemented by warring with people. Rather, a project is always worked out with their support. Wasn’t there protest against GAIL project as well as National Highway expansion? Weren’t they all eventually implemented after paying satisfactory compensations, asked Kodiyeri.
Congress does not like to speak against BJP. This is why Congress did not participate in seminars organised by the CPI(M). As part of party Congress, the CPI(M) conducted seminar on topics like State-Centre relations and protecting the Constitution. Participation in seminar would mean having to speak against the Centre and BJP, something that . Congress is not willing to dot, said Kodiyeri.
