THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The CPI (M) state executive meeting on Monday criticized the Lokayukta amendment ordinance for casting doubt on the political image of the Left Front. The meeting demanded that the amendment made in Section 14 to withdraw the powers of the Lokayukta be withdrawn. The CPI (M) agreed at the executive meeting to express its opposition to the ordinance when it is introduced in the Assembly as a bill or when the ordinance is re-announced after the assembly session. Secretary Kanam Rajendran was instructed to demand discussion within the Left Front before taking further actions.

Criticism was leveled at the CPI ministers for their lack of vigilance when the Lokayukta Amendment Ordinance was considered by the Cabinet. In his reply, Kanam Rajendran said that the ministers should have been careful. However, Minister K Rajan explained that the party centre was informed before the ordinance was discussed for the second time in the cabinet meeting and that the confusion was due to the lack of proper instructions.

The hasty introduction of the amendment ordinance was criticized as not being in line with the political style of the Left Front. It is fitting that Secretary Kanam Rajendran publicly responded as to why there is such a hurry to issue the ordinance. The decision to amend Section 14 in such a way that the state government, the governor or the chief minister could hear or reject the Lokayukta verdict after hearing argument created a feeling that the government has something to fear. The members pointed out that the Left Front has a tradition of leaders who resign voluntarily even on small allegations.

K Rail was also criticized at the meeting. The meeting came to the conclusion that the plan should not be implemented by fighting with the people.

The CPI leadership meeting approved the measures against Raveendran Pattayam. The meeting also decided to seek an explanation from Idukki district secretary KK Sivaraman, who questioned the action taken against Raveendran pattayams.