THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 12-hour hartal called by Munnar Samrakshana Samiti in 10 panchayats of Idukki from 6 am on Tuesday, in the wake of Mr Joice George MP’s title-deed cancellation, has led to a direct confrontation between the CPM and CPI. The district police has stepped up vigil and posted pickets in vulnerable areas as sections are agitated over the Revenue officials’ anticipated move against those in illegal possession of land in Block No 58.
The Revenue Department on Monday shunted out special tahsildar A J Thomas, given the volatile situation prevailing in Idukki. CPM leader John Jacob and Marayur ex-area secretary M Lakshmana are among those short-listed for Revenue action. CPM area secretary Vijayan has meanwhile accused the Revenue Department of breaching the assurance given by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to protect genuine settlers, especially those who have meager holdings. Mr Vijayan has vowed to defeat “CPI’s nefarious designs and anti-people approach”.
CPI and Congress are on the same page and keep off the hartal. Both parties see CPM’s current move as part of a ploy to take on Revenue officials and frustrate attempts to recover land from illegal possession. The ongoing spat between the CPM and the CPI over Mr Thomas Chandy’s alleged violations and consequent resignation has had its impact on equations between the two parties in Idukki. Simmering feuds over encroachments have now come to a boil, accentuate by the climate of distrust between the CPM and CPI.
The absence of CPM leaders at a function for the differently-abled, presided over by Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan in Kasargod, indicates deteriorating ties between the principal allies of the LDF. CPM State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has sought to downplay mutual differences, saying both are capable of resolving all issues by themselves.
