| Chandy evades questions on Nelliyampathy |
KA Antony
KANNUR Obviously under pressure from the Kerala Congress led by Finance Minister KM Mani, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday chose to evade all questions pertaining to the take over of the lease-expired estate lands at Nelliyampathy in Palakkad.
Chandy, who was in Kannur to visit the violence-torn and flood-hit areas of the district, appeared irritated by questions on the Nelliyampathy issue over which young Congress leaders like TN Prathapan and VD Satheesan MLA and Government Chief Whip PC George, a Kerala Congress (Mani) MLA, have locked horns.
“You need not worry about it. We will handle it,” was his only reply.
Chandy, who visited the Kannur District Congress Committee office and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) district office early in the morning, said that his government would not allow the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) to take the law into their hands.
“It was their leader MA Baby, who had said that the violence in Kannur was the handiwork of anti-social elements. If it is so, why should the CPM protest against the police and the government when the long arm of law gets closer to them following the arrest of P Jayarajan? I don’t believe in double standards and request the CPM to do the same,” he said adding the CPM should have a rethink on the violence being unleashed by the party whenever legal action is initiated against some of their leaders involved in criminal cases.
Chandy said the government will not shy away from taking stringent action against any one violating law and order. “Law in a civilised and democratic society is applicable to all. There won’t be a Congress, CPM or BJP divide in such cases. The government is bound to protect all citizens,” he said.
On the new contributory pension scheme, Chandy said even those protesting against it know the real facts.
“A detailed discussion was held on the floor of the assembly earlier. Yet another thing to remember is that the existing government staff will not suffer. After all, the government is not going to gain anything from the new pension scheme,” he said.
Oman Tribune
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