‘K K Ragesh is a district secretary even his party does not want’; Muraleedharan takes dig at CPM leader

KANNUR: Minister K Muraleedharan took a dig at CPM Kannur district secretary KK Ragesh, saying he was “a district secretary even his own party does not want”. He said Ragesh continuing in the post would only benefit the UDF. Muraleedharan was speaking to the media after visiting Pariyaram Medical College.

“It is because KK Ragesh became the CPM district secretary that the UDF got two more MLAs this time. If Ragesh continues in the post, the UDF could have more elected representatives in the district,” Muraleedharan said.

Muraleedharan also criticised Ragesh over his remarks about former chief minister K Karunakaran.

“His remarks about K Karunakaran were not appropriate for someone holding the post of district secretary. He became the district secretary without having any quality,” Muraleedharan said.

Muraleedharan also responded to remarks made by Kanthapuram Aboobacker Musliyar about women. He said the progress made by women should not be ignored and pointed out that a Muslim woman had won in Perambra.

“Everyone should recognise the progress women have made,” he said.

The minister also said steps had been taken to fill vacancies and ensure doctors are available round the clock at all general hospitals.

He said action had also been initiated in connection with the death of a one-and-a-half-year-old boy after he was administered anaesthesia at a private hospital in Payyannur.

“We will not allow private hospitals to act arbitrarily. Legal action will be taken wherever necessary,” Muraleedharan said.