THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday made a strong indirect criticism against the Latin Archdiocese in the Vizhinjam port strike issue. The CM was speaking at the inauguration of the Vizhinjam Rehabilitation Package. In an indirect reference to the Diocese, the Chief Minister said that some people's perception is that many people are in their pockets.

"The government has good intentions. The people of the land are cooperating with the government. It is up to the naysayers to explain why they are saying no to the project," the CM said.

"When fishermen were invited to the function person, a person circulated a message saying that it was a scam and no one should attend. The message also stated that the receipt of a bank deposit of Rs.5500 in their hands was a scam. He should explain how this is a scam. The next call is that none of us should participate in the ceremony," the CM said. The CM also commented on the occasion that the fishermen have rightly realized the sincerity of the government's work.

5,500 each was given to 102 families whose houses were destroyed in the sea attack and who were living in the camp. The aid was announced on the basis of ministerial discussions following the Vizhinjam strike. At the same time, the archdiocese protested against the chief minister's criticism.