The Hindu : Kerala / Kochi News : CPI(M) posting activists in key posts: UDF

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CPI(M) posting activists in key posts: UDF

Staff Reporter

For renewal of voters’ list

UDF submits complaint to State Election Commission
Thankachan flays government for food shortage

KOCHI: Congress leader and United Democratic Front (UDF) convener P.P. Thankachan on Friday accused the CPI(M)-led government of appointing active party workers and sympathisers in key departmental positions involved in the renewal of voters list and electoral polling stations.

He said of the 14 districts in Kerala, Deputy Collectors in 12 districts were CPI(M) activists or sympathisers. Fifty-one out of the 63 deputy tahsildars were pro-CPI(M) people. These changes had been made after the State Election Commission sent directives for preparing for the next elections, he said.

Addressing a press meet here, Mr. Thankachan said: “We have submitted a complaint to the State Election Commission. If needed, we will approach the Chief Election Commissioner.”

He said there was a precedent of such activity by the CPI(M) and the postings were changed following complaints sent by the Congress.

Mr. Thankachan criticised the government’s lack of action in securing food for the people in the State. “The consumer-oriented State is facing a severe shortage of food. Besides, food articles are more costly here. However, there has been no move by the government to allot funds for securing food. “A State like Chattisgarh has earmarked Rs.850 crore for food while Kerala has so far spent only Rs.80 crore.” He said the government was not ready to provide tax concession on petroleum products.

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