THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPM has said that the allegation that rice is being given to influence the voters is challenging the self-esteem of the people of Kerala. The distribution of pensions and rations kits was not done foreseeing election. The Election Commission should reverse its decision to suspend the distribution of rations and food kits. The CPM state secretariat also requested that strong public outcry be raised against the UDF leadership's action of starving the people.

The move reflects the distorted mindset of the panicked opposition in the face of electoral setbacks. This is a continuation of the negative politics of the opposition. The Opposition has not been able to actively intervene or stand with the people during crises in Kerala. Instead, the CPM alleged that it was trying to sabotage the government's efforts to lift the state out of the midst of crisis.

The Election Commission has now blocked the distribution of rice to non-priority groups following a complaint by the Leader of the Opposition. The Leader of the Opposition has demanded that the distribution of rice, school kits, food kits and welfare pensions for Easter and Ramadan be stopped. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has given an explanation to the Election Commission in this regard.

The government has been taking such steps to bring relief to the people since the lockdown was announced last year. What happening now is a continuation of that. We must continue to help the people. The state secretariat also demanded that LDF activists go door-to-door to meet voters and expose the nefarious politics of the opposition.