One hartal, Rs 2000 crores loss

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Losses of around Rs 2000 crores were registered in hartal called by Sabarimala Karma Samithi with support of the BJP on Thursday. These losses are an additional burden on a state that is trying to stand on its feet after floods.

Several private and government vehicles were destroyed. Several public offices that were re constructed after floods were ruined by attackers. More than 20 houses and public offices suffered heavy damage.

State government is in need Rs 31,000 crores to rebuild flood hit Kerala. For this loans need to be taken. But frequent hartals will only tarnish the government’s good name. Rumours will spread that the state is not investment friendly.

So far 7 hartals were called in the name of Sabarimala women entry. This will badly impact the state’s tourism industry and income from foreign sources.