Letter controversy; MB Rajesh to hold talks with opposition parties today in a bid to end the protests

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister MB Rajesh has invited district leaders of the parties, which have representatives in the Corporation, for a discussion to end the 28-day protests in the letter controversy. The meeting will be held today at 4pm in the minister’s chamber.

The demand of the protesters is the resignation of mayor, Arya Rajendran and DR Anil. They argue that as long as these two are in position of power, there is no meaning in continuing the investigation.

The discussion is to avoid the criticisms against the government, especially when the Assembly meeting is all set to begin today. Minister Sivankutty will also attend the meeting.

The BJP and the UDF have agreed to attend the meeting. The BJP says they would not backdown from their demand that both Arya Rajendran and DR Anil must resign. The UDF wants the mayor’s resignation only. Though UDF might go soft in the discussion, the BJP will utilize this opportunity to the maximum. They believe that if a consensus is reached in the meeting called by the minister, it would damage the party’s image.

Though UDF is ready to end the outward protests, they will widen the scope of the protests if the controversy blows over.