THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The strong protest from the people against the laying of the survey stone for the SilverLine project has become a huge cause of concern for the CPM. Some have expressed concern that things are moving towards the same situation as what happened following the Sabarimala women's entry verdict.

Despite the government explaining that the ongoing stone laying process was not a land acquisition process, the protesters are not at all ready to take into account the government's claim. The incident where the police dragged a woman in front of her child in Madappally in Changanassery also served to tarnish the image of the government. The CPI also took the stand yesterday that the government should not go ahead with the project unless it addresses the concerns of the people.

The last two days witnessed an intensification of public protest against the SilverLine project. The Congress sees this as a great opportunity to make a comeback after the election setback. As a part of this, Congress banned its leaders from attending seminars held in connection with the CPM party congress. They believe that the concerns that naturally arise in people's minds when they see survey stones getting installed in front of their houses will strengthen public sentiment against the government.

CPM to create awareness among people

The CPM is resisting the protest by claiming that the agitation against K-Rail was politically motivated. Following the party congress, the CPM will launch a statewide campaign to create awareness among the people. The CPM has promised up to four times the compensation for land acquisition for the project. The plan is to adopt a door-to-door campaign similar to the one it adopted in the Sabarimala issue.

UDF and BJP to capitalize

Unlike the Sabarimala issue, the installation of survey stones is something that directly affects the people. Realizing this, the Congress, the UDF and the BJP are fueling the protests. The Youth Congress has also launched protests across the state. The UDF believes that the installation of survey stones using force will strengthen anti-government sentiment. The agitations in the Malabar region are seen as an opportunity to bring back the minorities who abandoned the UDF in the Assembly elections. The BJP and Yuva Morcha have also come out with strong protests and campaigns to capitalize on public sentiment against SilverLine.