CM Oommen Chandy cites big projects for proof of development under UDF
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday clai-med that the state had witnessed unprecedented development, social welfare measures and empowerment of the local bodies during the last four years of UDF rule.
In a detailed statement here, Chandy said that these measures had led to firm footing of the government among the people.
“When the government came to power it had only one seat more than the simple majority of 71. The opposition had predicted the government would not last long and had even resorted to clandestine operations to dislodge it,” he added.
“No other government has faced so many challenges , wild allegations, violent agitations siege to the secretariat, Cliff House, blockade of roads, holding Assembly members hostage, like ours.”
"For the first time in the history, stones were thrown at the chief minister injuring him. During this period four by-elections were held to Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Each time the opposition predicted defeat but in all elections UDF came out victorious."
"Development and care is not a mere slogan of the government. "It is very close to our heart. We took on the LDF using this weapon. New medical colleges after 35 years, mega projects came to state after Idukki dam and Nedumbassery airport, roads and bridges. Anybody could be envious of the pace of development."
The top flagship projects were named Navaratna and monitored directly by the chief minister. The ministers and officials worked as a team.
The UDF wanted social welfare activities to be one step ahead of development because these are directly related to ordinary people.
Through the Karunya Benevolent Fund Rs 810 core worth assistance was distributed among 1,11,111 people, Rs 700 crore form the chief ministers relief fund , 7.86 complaints at the chief minster’s mass contact programme.
Local bodies: The other big achievement of this government is empowering the local bodies. The state got noticed in the country when panchayat minister Dr M K Muneer received the best panchayat raj state from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The union panchayat ministry and Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) had conducted an independent study.
UDF Government had doubled the funds for the local bodies, it had given a major say to peoples committee in matters of utilisation. Five year plan were finalised and grama sabhas were strengthened.
"In the five year plan 2012-1013 to 2015-16 four years term of UDF government the budget allocation was Rs 26,450.46 crore. During the five year plan from 2008-09 to 2011-2012 the LDF government had given Rs 12,369.88 crore. The UDF is taking the local bodies poll seriously.
“People are going to elect 21,871 representatives. It is through them that the state has to go forward. We need to elect honest and committed peoples representatives. But the CPM has chosen candidates who are accused in heinous murders, bomb blasts and collection of arms. Because of the back to back defeats now the LDF is trying to put on the mask of unity. I reiterate my position that all elections are a referendum on the state, central government and political parties."
"By indulging in murder politics or making Samabar front, one cannot win the support of people. For that you need to work for the people and there is no short cut. The UDF government during its last four years has brought unprecedented development and welfare measures. Ensure justice for all sections of society. All challenges faced in the law and order front were dealt with the arm of law. We hope to get peoples mandate once again and it will also be a blessing for UDF Government’s continuation," the chief minister said.
