The Hindu : Kerala News : LDF violating poll code: Thankachan

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LDF violating poll code: Thankachan

Staff Reporter

UDF convener P.P. Thankachan

KOZHIKODE: United Democratic Front convener P.P. Thankachan has alleged that the Left Democratic Front has been violating the model code of conduct in its campaign in the Thiruvambadi byelection.

Talking to presspersons here on Tuesday, Mr. Thankachan said there was gross misuse of power by the Ministers, and rampant use of official machinery, including the police, by LDF partners, he alleged. "The matter has already been brought to the notice of the Election Commission. We will again approach the commission with fresh evidence."

The UDF convener blamed CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan of playing on the communal sentiments of the electorate. On the issue of the death sentence to the deposed Iraqi President Saddam Hussein being projected as an issue in the campaign, Mr. Thankachan said all wanted the Iraqi leader's life saved. He, however, wondered what relevance the issue had in the election here as it was matter of international concern.

Saddam and China

Instead, Mr. Vijayan as a member of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau ought to exert influence on the high-powered Chinese delegation now in the country, and ensure that they make a statement on Saddam's death sentence.

Another issue that Mr. Vijayan should take up was to have a statement from the Chinese President on that country's claim on Arunachal Pradesh. "It is up to the CPI(M) leader to make an earnest effort to elicit the opinion of the Chinese delegation on the matter, and also have them make a statement since this is a matter of prime concern for the country. The country expected a declaration in this regard from the Chinese at the behest of the CPI(M) Polit Bureau," he said.

Mr. Thankachan also wanted the LDF to make clear its stance towards the Nationalist Congress Party.

While Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan and RSP leader C. Chandrachoodan made it clear that they would not share a platform with the newly inducted NCP leaders, the LDF should make its stand clear in the byelection. "Will the NCP votes too be not acceptable to the LDF?" Mr. Thankachan wondered.

He wanted the CPI(M) to avoid a Kannur-model election in Thiruvambadi in which "booth capturing and intimidating of voters were resorted to."

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