KOCHI: The CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has defended the controversial speech he made in Payyannur few days ago by stating that it was a call for self defence when attacked. Speaking to reporters here on Thursday, the CPM leader said a person has the right for self-defence when attacked.
Stating that he is not worried about the legal consequences of the speech, Mr Balakrishnan said he was prepared to go to jail over this matter. Mr Balakrishnan also defended the appointment of Harvard scholar Gita Gopinath as economic adviser of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “The CPM and LDF will not accept advice for the sake of it. The party and the LDF would accept advice in tune with its policy and programmes,” he said.
Mr Balakrishnan also pointed out that appointing advisers is nothing new. “The former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy was having an economic adviser despite having K.M, Mani as the finance minister,” he pointed out. Speaking to a delegation of Kerala Union of Working Journalists, Mr Balakrishnan said the media should have the opportunity to work in atmosphere without fear.
On restrictions imposed on media in reporting court matters he said the court should remove the restrictions. The situation that prevailed before the restrictions should be restored, he added. The High Court order is in violation of the basic democratic principles, he added.
