THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The UDF high power committee is expected to take a call on Keezhattur at its meeting on Wednesday. There have been differences among Congress leaders with V.M. Sudheeran backing protesters. Last Sunday, he along with his party colleagues Benny Behanan and K. Sudhakaran and RSP leader Shibu Baby John had visited Vayalkilikal, a few hours before ‘Kerala to Keezhattur’ march reached there. When Mr Sudhakaran remained mum, Mr Sudheeran maintained that he is against the development destructing environment.
A section of Congress leaders feels that UDF should have discussed it much earlier. “It is true that Assembly session is ongoing where Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala had always maintained that the UDF is not against development,” a leader said. “From Day One, we demand talks with affected people. The UDF will take a final call on Wednesday." The meeting is at 4 pm after the Secretariat picketing of farmers against anti-farmer policies of the state organised by KPCC.
Kannur DCC president Satheesan Pacheni said there's no dispute in the Congress over Keezhattur. “Mr Sudheeran visited Keezhattur after holding talks with us," he told DC. “Despite the Congress having no foothold in Keezhattur which is known for its CPM dominance, they received a big setback. Our stand has been clear from day one that development should happen without destroying the environment.”
