Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

LDF to oppose ban on demonstrations

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The LDF State committee has decided to register its strong disagreement to the proposed move to ban demonstrations on arterial roads in the State capital.

Briefing reporters after the LDF State committee meeting here on Thursday, LDF convener Paloli Mohammed Kutty said the front saw no justification in the ban on agitations till the causes for the agitations were rooted out. While there could be instances when agitations resulted in excesses, that could not be used an excuse to curtail the people's right to protest. The LDF would convey its opposition to the move at the meeting being convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on August 9 to discuss the issue, he added.

Mr. Kutty came down heavily on the Government for what he termed its failure to ensure that the anomalies in the electoral rolls for the local body elections were rectified. The Government was trying to postpone the local body elections on technical grounds and the State Election Commission was not being to function freely and take decisions independently in such matters, he alleged. The LDF convener said the Opposition had nothing against the move to amend the anti-defection laws as they apply to local bodies to remove its anomalies, but was particular that any such measure should ensure the smooth functioning of the local bodies. It would communicate its stand on the issue when the amendments are taken up, he said.

On the renewed efforts to allow Dubai Inernet City (DIC) to set up the Smart City in Kochi, Mr. Kutty said the LDF was against the project, but it was keen that this should not be at the cost of the State's interests. It had already made known its objection to the transfer of Info Park to the Dubai group. It expected the Government not to insist on this proposal, he added.

The LDF convener said the LDF State committee had reviewed the ongoing agitation against the Government and preparations for the August 18 siege of taluk offices. The Opposition would chalk out a stronger agitation against the Government later, he said.

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