CM sets target of 110 assembly seats

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the first Cabinet meeting of the new year, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke at length about the upcoming Assembly elections. He discussed a 50-day action plan with ministers to win 110 seats.

In the background of the setback faced in the local body elections, the Chief Minister instructed ministers to work with greater focus to ensure that government actions reach the people and that the achievements of the administration are clearly explained to them.

The government has already started steps to seek public opinion on the future of Kerala and to make people aware of their role in governance. This decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting held before the local body elections.

A scheme to provide Rs 1,000 per month to destitute women was also announced earlier. However, there is now an assessment that this amount may not be sufficient under the present situation. The Chief Minister reminded ministers and coalition partners that they have a responsibility to convince the public that the government’s rule has been beneficial to the people. It is reported that ministers also said the upcoming budget should have a more creative approach.

The Cabinet was expected to discuss and decide yesterday on handing over the Manappat Foundation case, related to allegations that Opposition Leader VD Satheesan collected funds from abroad without permission, to the CBI. However, the government did not take a firm stand on the issue. The Cabinet also did not discuss the defence in the Sabarimala gold smuggling case.