Navakerala Sadass participation: Panchayat Vice President issues warning to Kudumbashree members

KOZHIKODE: The Vice President of Ulliyeri Panchayat, NM Balaraman, has issued a threat to Kudumbashree members who do not participate in the Navakerala Sadass campaign conducted by the state government. Balaraman sent a five-minute voice message on WhatsApp warning that non-participation may result in their exclusion from the muster roll. There is also a directive for Kudumbashree and employment guarantee scheme members to engage in the general body meeting related to the Navakerala Sadass campaign and in setting up campaign boards.

The Navakerala Sadass is scheduled for 24th, 25th and 26th in Kozhikode district. Despite a general body meeting last Sunday expecting 90 participants, only 10 attended. Balaraman later clarified that he meant participation was strongly encouraged, not mandatory and stated the message could be withdrawn if anyone felt coerced. Balaraman, a CPM member from the 4th Ward of Ulliyeri Panchayat faced political resistance from UDF Kozhikode District Chairman K Balanarayanan and convenor Ahmed Punnakkal who condemned the perceived authoritarian approach.