KOZHIKODE: The mainline political parties are playing to the gallery by not taking a call on the Gail pipeline project in Malabar. The local party leaders have been in the forefront of public protests against the project. The political parties have to respect local sentiments to avoid a backlash in the elections.
The protest committee members have already warned the political parties against supporting the project. “The project is against the interests of the people and will result in land owners losing their right over their property. As per rules, no gas pipelines should be laid through residential areas,” Mr Mujeeb Rahman, one of the protesters said.
He said the local protest committees had expressed their opinions to all political parties. They have also laid a condition that the local bodies should object to the project.
“All political party representatives have supported us as it is against the people,” Mr Abdul Salam, another protester said.
The CPM, Congress and IUML leaders have not decided whether to oppose or support the project. The CPM will not allow it if it fails to allay the fears of the public.
The IUML state leadership supports it but is helpless with the local cadres. The Congress leaders are also in the same dilemma.
