The Left Democratic Front (LDF) on Tuesday accused the Congress of failing to honour the mandate given by the people by delaying the selection of Kerala's next chief minister despite the United Democratic Front's (UDF) emphatic electoral victory.
LDF Convener's Statement
LDF convener T P Ramakrishnan said in Thiruvananthapuram that the prolonged uncertainty over leadership was unfair to the people who voted the Congress-led alliance to power. He alleged that the delay reflected the Congress leadership's inability to discharge its responsibility towards the electorate.
Governance Paralysis Alleged
Ramakrishnan said the absence of administrative continuity after the change in government resulted in a situation of "governance paralysis" in the state. He also alleged that officials were being transferred arbitrarily based on lists prepared by organisational leaders and claimed that some officers were being forced to proceed on leave. Such developments, he said, were not in keeping with democratic norms.
Opposition Leader Post
When asked about the opposition leader's post, Ramakrishnan said the Congress should first finalise its chief ministerial candidate before discussions on other positions could begin. On reports that the Communist Party of India (CPI) staked claim to the deputy leader of opposition post, the LDF convener said no such demand had so far been raised within the front. If the CPI had any specific demand, it should clarify the matter itself, he said, adding that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) would ultimately take the final decision on such issues within the alliance.
Rice Price Revision and ASHA Agitation
Ramakrishnan also responded to questions regarding the recent revision in rice prices at Supplyco outlets and the CPI's criticism of the ongoing agitation by ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists). He said the CPI's remarks on the protest reflected the party's own stand and that it was for the CPI to explain its position. The LDF, he added, has not officially taken the view that the approach towards the protest was wrong.
Pinarayi Vijayan as Opposition Leader
Ramakrishnan further said he was unaware of any CPI position opposing former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan becoming the opposition leader.
