Pinarayi Vijayan attacks UDF government; alleges RSS appeasement

KANNUR: Opposition leader Pinarayi Vijayan has launched a scathing attack on the UDF government, alleging that it was in a hurry to implement the PM SHRI scheme with the aim of appeasing the RSS. He was speaking at a CPI(M) political explanation meeting held at Mathil in Payyannur.

Referring to Payyannur’s history during his speech, Pinarayi also criticised former CPI(M) leader V Kunhikrishnan. He alleged that Kunhikrishnan had worked with the objective of destroying the party and had become a “hatchet” in the hands of its opponents.

Pinarayi Vijayan said everyone had expected that a change in government would not bring about any major change in Kerala’s general character. However, he alleged that Vande Mataram, put forward by the RSS, was included in the Cabinet’s oath-taking ceremony and that directions were issued to sing Vande Mataram during Independence Day programmes. He also said the Congress’ position on the issue was clear at the party headquarters.

Pinarayi alleged that the inclusion of two non-Muslim members in the Waqf Board was part of the RSS agenda. The Assembly had unanimously passed a resolution against the move, he said.
However, he alleged that the government changed its position after the change in power. The two positions had been left vacant because of opposition to the inclusion of non-Muslim members. However, the UDF government informed the court that the Waqf Board could be reconstituted by including non-Muslim members.

He alleged that the UDF was adopting a position aimed at appeasing the RSS. Vijayan further alleged that the government was taking a stand of surrendering to the RSS by eroding Kerala’s distinct identity. He said those who had earlier stated that the PM SHRI scheme would be thrown into the Arabian Sea if they came to power were now showing haste in implementing it. The government was taking such steps to appease the RSS, he alleged.

Pinarayi also criticised the Governor’s alleged interference in the higher education sector, saying the government was not responding strongly to it.

He said the Opposition had adopted a position of raising objections to every issue since the second LDF government came to power. According to Pinarayi Vijayan, right-wing media outlets were operating with an anti-Left agenda, with their primary objective being to oppose the government.
He alleged that the Opposition and right-wing media had jointly carried out an organised campaign against the LDF.