Thiruvananthapuram: CPI state secretary Kanam Rajendran welcomed BDJS decision to take part in Vanitha Mathil on January 1.
At a press conference here, THE CPI state secretary said that the organisers have invited individuals and organisations who upheld renaissance values irrespective of their political affiliations, to take part in the major event.
Many social, political and cultural organisations have extended support to the programme.
“We reviewed the arrangements being made for the Vantitha Mathil at the LDF meeting yesterday. We expect 50 lakh people to attend the event,” he added.
On Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala's criticism that the LDF government had ignored minorities, the CPI leader said;''For a moment think about the opposite. You people will then write that the LDF is trying to rally minorities to destroy Hindu faith. We are only talking about humanity and progressive values,” he said.
On NSS participation in RSS sponsored Ayyappa Jyothi, Kanam said they are free to join hands with whoever they like. But at least they should now stop flaunting equidistance policy to mislead people, he said.
The CPI leader rejected the view that political situation in the state had changed significantly post Sabarimala verdict. “Had there been any other government in office it would have also taken a similar stand. All principal political parties had supported the SC verdict initially. Subsequently they changed their position.
He said the LDF government had spent Rs 230 cr for infrastructure development in Sabarimala particularly Pamba which was devastated by floods. “The government of those who now claim to be with believers had spent only Rs 47 crore,” he said.
Kanam said the four parties were inducted into LDF after detailed discussions. He said the CPI was geared up for the polls and the party had already organised 1200 meetings at the local level and was in the process of completing house to house to house visit in a fortnight.
The CPI leader said High Court directive to exclude children from Vanitha Mathil was impractical. How can you stop parents who wish to take their children to the programme ? he asked.
