Home department failed to anticipate Anthoor situation, says Ramesh Chennithala

Kollam: The home department failed to anticipate the situation in Anthoor municipality in Kannur where candidates selected by the UDF were forced by political rivals to decline their seats, said home minister Ramesh Chennithala here on Friday. However, the police has not received any complaints regarding this, he said while addressing media persons as part of ‘Thadesheeyam’ programme.

“The services of central forces were sought in tense areas like Kannur to ensure peaceful voting,” he said.

Mr Chennithala said the CPM is trying to create a feeling that Dalits and religious minority votes are under threat in the state so as to exploit the fear factor.

People have recognised this and hence they are leaving the CPM in groups to join the BJP rather than forming any other political party.

“Chief Minister doesn’t need Pinarayi Vijayan’s certificate regarding the former’s secular stances. The CPM is not grown enough to teach the Congress lessons in secularism,” he said.
He admitted that there were some issues with the IUML on seat sharing in Malappuram and some other parts, most of which have been resolved through discussions. Ironically, he also admitted that in some seats, the IUML is contesting against the understanding within the UDF.