Let it start with killings in UP: Kodiyeri Balakrishnan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan on Friday dared Centre to invoke Article 356 and impose presidential rule in the state. Kodiyeri was reacting to RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale’s warning on Centre’s intervention in state. “If  the Centre wants to dismiss government on the basis of murders, then it should first sack the Uttar Pradesh government. On an average 4,800 murder took place in that state annually. BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan too have a high rate of murders. Before targeting Kerala, the Centre will have to act against those governments," he added.

At a press conference here Kodiyeri said as long as people backed the Left parties, the CPM wold not be cowed down by such threats. “RSS may have many desires but these are not going to work here.  Don’t try to threaten Left parties by flashing the constitutional provision of invoking presidents rule. CPM is not afraid of such hollow threats,” he said. The Centre has powers let them use it. Elections would be held within six months and the BJP might even lose the lone seat in Assembly. “I think someone who has a grudge against BJP MLA O Rajagopal seems to be behind this move,” he said in a lighter vein.

When asked about the failure of police to prevent political murders, the CPM state secretary said security personnel alone could not ensure peace. “I have two security men. But if someone decides to target me, these security men would be reduced to being mere witnesses,” he quipped. The CPM state secretary said apart from security what was required was a peaceful atmosphere. “We have to create peaceful environment in the state. Our party is trying to restore peace. All parties should sincerely work for maintaining peace,” he said.