Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Verify Minister’s claim, says UDF

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Leader of the Opposition Oommen Chandy has asked the Chief Minister and the Home Minister to take affirmative action if it had received any Intelligence reports about possible trouble during the Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival.

Taking serious note of Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran’s statement that he had received an Intelligence report that the United Democratic Front (UDF), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and anti-social elements would foment trouble in Sabarimala, Mr. Chandy, in separate letters to the Chief Minister and the Home Minister on Sunday, wanted them to explain the facts in order to clear apprehensions among pilgrims.

The Minister’s statement has serious dimensions in the context of attacks on places of worship in several parts of the country.

The Minister’s remarks on the Intelligence report cannot be viewed on the same lines as some of his other controversial statements. If the government has received such a report, it should act against all those who have been named in it.

In his letter to the Chief Minister, Mr. Chandy said the UDF would extend whole-hearted support to the Government on all steps taken in this regard. He said it was common knowledge that the Minister and the Devaswom Board were responsible for the lapses during the Mandala puja at Sabarimala. The UDF was not for creating any problems during the peak pilgrimage season and had even offered all support in ensuring facilities to pilgrims arriving at the temple.

He urged the government to take the necessary steps to conduct the Makaravilakku festival smoothly, besides ensuring the security of pilgrims.

BJP State president P.K. Krishnadas on Sunday demanded Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran’s dismissal from the Cabinet. In a statement here, Mr. Krishnadas said Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had stated that he was not aware about such a report and it was a fit case for taking legal action against the Minister for claiming to be in possession of a non-existent report.

He said the Achuthanandan Ministry’s reputation had taking a beating following the “irresponsible statements” made by the Minister who held an important position.

He said the Home Minister’s statement here vindicated the BJP’s constant reminder that Kerala was becoming a safe haven for terror groups. He urged the LDF and the UDF to end their illegal political links with religious extremist groups.

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