CITU conference: Former ministers face criticism over anti-worker policies

KOTTAYAM: Former ministers in the previous government came under sharp criticism at the CITU state conference, with delegates blaming their anti-worker policies for the election defeat.

Delegates alleged that P. Rajeeve, K.N. Balagopal, M.B. Rajesh and V. Sivankutty had forgotten the workers after coming to power. Strong criticism was also directed at former Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal and KSFE Chairman K. Varadarajan. Worker representatives from KSFE sarcastically suggested that the two should be honoured with a 'Workers' Excellence Award'.

The delegates alleged that the government had pushed workers into difficulties by failing to provide funds to welfare boards. They also criticised M.B. Rajesh for failing to take steps to protect the welfare of traditional toddy tappers even as he moved quickly to grant licences to more bars. They said the liquor policy had adversely affected the toddy industry.

P. Rajeeve, who had been a trade union leader before becoming Industries Minister, was accused of developing close ties with big industrialists and forgetting workers. The delegates alleged that he had done little for the welfare of coir workers and that even union leaders often found it difficult to meet him. V. Sivankutty, who handled the Labour portfolio, was also described as a failure by the delegates.

Second Pinarayi government paved the way for UDF

The delegates also criticised the second Pinarayi government, saying that its performance had paved the way for a UDF government led by V.D. Satheesan. They said the first Pinarayi government had created the conditions for the second government's continuation in power, but the second government's performance had instead helped the UDF come to power.