THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday clarified that the government saw nothing wrong in lighting “nilavilakku” at government functions as it did not represent any religious symbol. He was reacting to questions regarding G Sudhakaran’s controversial statement on “nilavilakku” at a press conference to mark the 100 years of LDF Government in Delhi on Saturday. “Our stand is that religious symbols should be avoided during official functions. However, we don’t consider “nilavilakku” in same category,” he added.
The chief minister said though 100 days was too short a period to evaluate the government’s performance, its direction can be judged during this span. Pinarayi said he had never opposed Onam celebrations in government offices. The offices should not be turned into trading centres. “There are many holidays during Onam period which can be used for shopping and other celebrations. Floral carpets can be avoided during working hours. I said with good intention,” he added.
The chief minister said there was no substance in drawing a parallel between him and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “There is no relationship between the two. There is no change in my style of working since the days when I became minister,” he said. He said the LDF Government had adopted a two pronged strategy; long term projects to achieve comprehensive development and short term relief measures for disadvantaged sections. There is a peoples alternative.
According to him the amended Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Act through which Rs 50,000 crore can be raised outside the budget, will ensure basic infrastructure for state’s overall development. He said the government had allocated Rs 150 crore for promotion of start ups and student entrepreneurship policy by Kerala Technical University. Kerala start up mission is active in all 14 districts reaching out to 147 colleges, developing a generation equipped to handle new technology.
