Kochi Opposition Slams Indira Canteen Plan as Political Conspiracy
Opposition leaders in Kochi have strongly criticized the corporation authorities' decision to introduce Indira Canteen. They view this move as a direct threat to the existing Samridhi@Kochi outlets.
LDF Leader Accuses UDF of Sabotage
V A Sreejith, the LDF parliamentary party leader in the corporation, made sharp accusations against the ruling UDF. He stated clearly that the Indira Canteen announced by the mayor forms part of a UDF conspiracy. The conspiracy aims to dismantle the popular Samridhi@Kochi outlets across the city.
Sreejith welcomed the decision to provide meals for just ten rupees. However, he emphasized that any attempt to sabotage Samridhi under this pretext would not be accepted by the opposition or the public.
History of Samridhi Initiative
The previous council initiated the Samridhi project with a noble humanitarian message. The core idea was simple: no one should go hungry in Kochi. The entire state of Kerala warmly embraced this initiative when it launched.
Interestingly, UDF initially opposed Samridhi when they served in the opposition. Now, after coming to power, they are attempting to replace it with a scheme bearing their leader's name and image.
Political Motives Questioned
Sreejith described this behavior as deplorable politics. He argued that if UDF had genuine good intentions, they could have easily used the existing Samridhi framework. The framework could have been expanded to provide breakfast and dinner at the same affordable rate.
Instead, the ruling party chooses to launch a parallel scheme. This move raises serious questions about their political motives and commitment to public welfare.
The controversy highlights deep political divisions in Kochi's governance. It shows how welfare schemes can become battlegrounds for competing ideologies.
