State government all-round failure, opposition will boycott anniversary fete: Satheesan

Kochi: Amidst the Pinarayi govt's plans to celebrate the fourth anniversary of its second term, opposition leader V D Satheesan on Saturday said the govt had no moral right to indulge in celebrations as the state is going through one of its worst-ever financial crises.

Asserting that the entire opposition will boycott the celebrations, Satheesan said the govt has "failed" on all fronts and that its ineptitude and extravagance have pushed the state into a Rs 6 lakh crore debt trap. He said that, as part of the anniversary celebrations, the govt is spending Rs 15 crore on hoardings featuring only the chief minister's image, while the basic demands of workers across various sectors remain unmet.

TOI, in its edition dated April 17, had reported that the govt sanctioned Rs 25.91 crore for a statewide publicity campaign to mark the fourth anniversary despite the ongoing financial crisis and a major portion of the sanctioned amount — Rs 15.63 crore — had been earmarked for 500 hoardings prominently featuring CM Pinarayi Vijayan at key public locations across the state.

"What's there to celebrate when development and growth have stagnated beyond redemption? There is no governance in Kerala. Instead, deep-rooted corruption and inefficiency have plagued the state," Satheesan said.

He accused the LDF govt of "totally ignoring" weaker sections, including ASHAs and Anganwadi workers, while indulging in "extravagance" throughout its second-term tenure.

"Social security pensions have been repeatedly delayed. Welfare boards are on the brink of collapse. Workers are not receiving pensions or other benefits from the welfare funds for which they contributed their entire lives. Pensions have been delayed for 16 months. ASHAs and Anganwadi workers are treated harshly by police and ministers mock those protesting for a pay raise as if they were corporate bosses," Satheesan said.

The opposition leader stated that the health, agriculture and education sectors were mired in uncertainty.

Satheesan also said the LDF govt's deceit in the Munambam issue had been exposed. "The family that donated the land and Farook college management, which accepted it, have stated that it is not waqf land. The UDF has also taken the same position. If it were waqf land, permanent rights could not be granted to those residing there. Examination of the documents would reveal that it is not waqf land. When there was a possibility of a favourable decision for the people of Munambam from the Waqf Tribunal, the state govt — on the advice of the Waqf Board — approached the Kerala high court against the tribunal and obtained a stay until May 29. The current tribunal's term ends on May 19," he said.

Criticising the implementation of the drug-free campaign, Satheesan said drugs were available in villages across Kerala. "The govt boasts of case numbers, but cases are mostly being filed against users. Instead, the source of drugs must be traced. Two IGs should be appointed for enforcement. The govt must act urgently to cut off the drug supply chain."

Referring to the man-animal conflict, he said the govt had failed to address the issue, with 18 people killed in wild elephant attacks across the state in the past four months.

The opposition leader also alleged that a caucus was running the chief minister's office and controlling the police force.

He, however, said UDF local body representatives would attend anniversary functions related to their development projects. The govt is set to mark its fourth anniversary from April 21 to May 23, with events planned at both district and state levels.

Meanwhile, Satheesan said the UDF candidate for Nilambur would be announced once the election is announced.