Road construction controversy: Riyas showered with criticism in CPM state leadership, should have been cautious in speech

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Public Works Department Minister Mohammad Riyas was showered with criticism in the CPM state secretariat against his controversial speech. Regarding the construction of the Smart City Road in the capital city, the state leadership has assessed Riyas’ speech, which sounded like CPM leaders in the district had a mysterious deal with the contractors, as immature. It is indicated that the dissatisfaction was conveyed to the minister.

The CPM district leadership was very dissatisfied with the action of Mohammad Riyas, who targeted Kadakampally Surendran in a public meeting saying that some were unhappy when touched the contractors. The matter came up for discussion in the CPM state secretariat in a manner that could be interpreted even against the municipal corporation ruled by the party. Most of the senior leaders, including CPM state secretary M V Govindan, assessed that Riyas’ action was wrong. The general stance of the secretariat meeting was that he should have been cautious in his speech.

When the speech sparked a controversy, Riyas came forward saying that he did not mean Kadakampally or other leaders. Kadakampally posted a photo of the two together and a note on Facebook saying that he has no issues with Riyas.