Kerala - Kozhikode   

LDF accused of sabotaging development projects

Special Correspondent

Celebration of the fourth anniversary of the UDF Government

KOZHIKODE: Veiled attacks on the Left Democratic Front for "sabotaging" development projects initiated by the Government were a striking feature in speeches of the leaders of the United Democratic Front (UDF) at a function held to mark the fourth anniversary of the UDF government on Tuesday.

The need for Keralites to evolve a more pro-development mindset was also repeatedly emphasised at a symposium, Vision Kerala 2020, which followed the inaugural session.

The Health Minister, K.K. Ramachandran Master, who inaugurated the event at Town Hall, said the LDF was trying to sabotage the Smart City project in Kochi. He said the project, when implemented, would generate nearly 33,000 jobs. The Minister claimed that the UDF had never blocked development projects during LDF rule but regretted that the LDF had not responded in the same constructive way. "This should change. All parties should reach a consensus to foster development," he said.

Development highlighted

Mr. Ramachandran also highlighted some of the major development initiatives at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital in recent months. Super speciality block at the hospital would be ready by January next near.

Mr. Sujanapal, MLA, who presided, also spoke on the same vein and stressed the need for a new political culture that would facilitate development.

He also highlighted the development works in health and PWD departments that benefited the district during the UDF rule.

Also significant, he added, were the works that had been executed making use of Rs. 75 lakhs available under the MLA local area development fund in Kozhikode.

Mr. Sujanapal also said MLAs had demanded increase in volume of MLA fund to Rs. 1 crores and said availability of more funds would further boost development.

Mr. Mamootty, MLA, also spoke. A photo exhibition highlighting the major development works achieved in recent days was also held at the venue.

`Change mindset'

Leading the call for a change of mindset by Keralites to make it development-oriented was K.S Radhakrishnan, Vice-Chancellor of Sree Sankara University, Kalady.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said a development-oriented culture was of utmost importance to ensure that Kerala kept pace with rest of India in its march towards the development targets sought to be achieved by 2020.

Senior journalist K.M. Roy, C.K. Raju of MES College of Engineering, Kuttippuram, and the environmental activist, A.Achyuthan were among those who spoke.

The meeting, though organised by the Information and Public Relations Department, reflected the changes within the UDF. Only representatives of Congress and IUML were present.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous | Engagements |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

LDF accused of sabotaging development projects

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu