Kozhikode: The CPM and RMPI observed Onchiyam martyrs’ day at separate functions at Onchiyam on Sunday. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the CPM programme near Onchiyam bank premises whereas RMPI Tamil Nadu leader S. Gangadhar did it near Onchiyam bridge. The day commemorates 10 party workers killed at Onchiyam in 1948, eight in police firing and two others in police custody. Mr Vijayan in his address kept silent about the row between the CPM and the RMPI over the murder of T.P. Chandrasekharan and other issues. He said the LDF ministry was on a correction process of the administrative system which was destroyed by the UDF government.
“It will take some more time to eliminate the negative elements planted by the UDF regime in the administrative system,” he added. Hitting hard at the Congress, Mr Vijayan said that Mr Ramesh Chennithala was saying that we were helping the BJP in the state. “But in reality the Congress has become the recruiting agency for the BJP,” he said and added that many senior Congress leaders like S.M. Krishna had switched over to the BJP. “Many leaders across the nation are abandoning the Congress and joining the BJP,” he added. CPI leader K. Gangadharakurup presided over the function. CPI leader K.P. Rajendran, CPM leaders M.P. Jayarajan and P. Mohanan among others spoke. A large posse of police was stationed at Onchiyam to avoid any untoward incidents.
