THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan sharply criticized the K Rail protest again. What is happening in the name of the project is a political struggle and will face it politically, he said.

This is an agitation that is being waged as part of the stand that nothing will be permitted to be done in Kerala during the LDF rule. What happened yesterday was a strike that deserves to be beaten. However, Kodiyeri said the police handled the protesters with restraint. The K Rail Survey, DPR and Environmental Impact Assessment are approved by the Centre and the Supreme Court. What is happening now is a fight against the high court verdict. Those who lose land need not fear. Kodiyeri clarified that the land will be acquired only after paying the due compensation. Kodiyeri had earlier alleged that the Congress was mobilizing for the second liberation struggle. He alleged that preparations were being made for another liberation struggle targeting Changanacherry and that this was not 1957-59.

Former minister A K Balan also came against the protest. Balan accused the Congress of turning a goat into a dog, a dog into a rabid dog and then beat them to death. As per earlier experience, a liberation struggle could not be carried out in Changanassery. The recommendations of the expert committee on K Rail will be considered. He said appropriate action would be taken if any concerns persisted.

CPM leader E P Jayarajan said illiterates are behind the K Rail strike. People are coming forward to provide land for the project. Jayarajan also scoffed that if VD Satheesan does not have any work, let him remove the stones. He said the government would go ahead with the project.

They bring in a few ready-made people, some women and children and organize violent activities to cause trouble and take action against the police. There are no people in the anti-K Rail strike. Jayarajan also criticized the Congress leadership for being in the hands of scoundrels.