'Modi is coming to Kerala to inaugurate Pinarayi government's fourth anniversary'; Chennithala lashes out

KOCHI: Ramesh Chennithala has alleged that massive corruption is taking place in the state under the guise of the LDF government's fourth anniversary celebrations. He alleged that nearly Rs 100 crore being spent on the celebrations is being distributed among the government's close aides and favourites. He criticised the government for holding such extravagant celebrations while failing to increase even a single rupee in wages for poor ASHA workers.

Chennithala also remarked that the Chief Minister's decision not to invite the Leader of the Opposition to the Vizhinjam event reflects his pettiness. He added that the Vizhinjam project was the brainchild of the UDF government under Oommen Chandy.

He reminded the public that Pinarayi Vijayan, who is now championing the project, was the CPM state secretary who had earlier opposed it. He also criticised the Chief Minister for attempting to maintain dictatorship in governance, just as he allegedly did within the party, citing how even a woman leader like P. K. Sreemathy was removed from the committee.

Chennithala questioned how the Chief Minister can escape from his responsibility if officials like K.M. Abraham end up in jail for corruption, just like former Principal Secretary M. Sivasankar. He mockingly added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting Kerala not for any development work, but to inaugurate the fourth anniversary of Pinarayi Vijayan's government.