One has to follow that movie character to walk on roads in Kerala: Opposition raises criticism

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Taking a dig at the government, opposition raised the issue of the poor state of roads in Kerala in the state assembly. The issues was raised by Perinthalmanna MLA Najeeb Kanthapuram who quipped that if someone want to walk on the roads in Kerala now, they have to jump like Kuthiravattam Pappu's character in the movie Manichitrathaazhu.

The Speaker had rejected the adjournment motion notice given by Kanthapuram asking the House to adjourn and discuss the plight of the roads. The Speaker also asked to avoid adjournment motions on Fridays.

Public Works Department Minister PA Mohammad Riyas' replied that the government is giving priority not only to road construction but also to maintenance, and most of the roads in the state are passable. The minister added that administrative approval of Rs 824 crore has been given for maintenance alone.

Kanthapuram retorted that Rs 6000 crores of vehicle tax is collected in a year and yet people have to go through roads in poor condition. The MLA stated that more than 4000 lives have been lost on the roads in 2023 alone.

The opposition alleged that this is the situation even at important places and junctions in the state. The MLA alleged that the Chief Minister of Kerala had to travel around 16 km to travel on a pothole-free road, but the common won't be able to do so.