Vizhinjam protest: War of words in assembly, will say what has to be said, says Satheesan; opposition leader saying absurd things, says minister Antony Raju

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan accused minister Antony Raju of trying to interrupt his speech regarding the government's shortcomings in rehabilitating those who lost their land and houses in the Vizhinjam sea attack. Minister Antony Raju intervened when Satheesan said in his walkout speech on the adjournment motion that 250 families were shifted to the cement warehouse in Valiyathura and that the sight there was not bearable.

With this, the ruling party members stood up in support of the minister. Satheesan said that no matter who makes a fuss, he will leave the House only after saying what he has to say. The House witnessed tense moments as opposition members rose in support of Satheesan.

Satheesan pointed out that children were facing difficulties in the cement godown and there was no privacy for adult children. He also asked the Chief Minister to negotiate with the Vizhinjam protesters and find a solution. Minister Antony Raju said that the argument that ministers are not intervening in the issue is baseless. He also said that six ministers were taking part in the discussions.

"It was the UDF government that shifted 250 families to the cement godown. The rehabilitation project was started by the first Pinarayi government. The Vizhinjam project was started during the term of the UDF government by cheating the people. That is why the opposition leader was chased away by the protesters. They have not chased away anyone in the government. The opposition leader's remarks are absurd," Antony Raju said.

Satheesan retorted by saying that the minister was lying by claiming that the families were put in cement godowns during the term of the UDF government. "The protesters did not scream against me or chase me away. I went there with the permission of the Samara Samithi. They received me. I assured them that a solution will be brought regarding the issue. However, the CPM is spreading a lie by claiming that I was chased away from Vizhinjam," he said.