THIRUVANANTHPAURAM: After a series of sparring over the contentious issues like Munnar encroachments, UAPA, police policy and RTI, the CPM and CPI seems to have called a ‘tactical’ truce ahead of the LDF Government’s first anniversary. The tone and tenor of state secretaries of the two parties after their respective leadership meetings here was indicative of the mellowing down of their strident positions on these issues, at least in public. However, within their close door meetings the two parties continued to remain scathing in their attack against each other.
LDF has planned week-long extensive programmes to celebrate the first anniversary starting from May 25. Vehicle jathas, local level public meetings and conference will be conducted during this period to highlight the government’s achievements. “LDF government has initiated innovative and radical programmes in various sectors. Four mega missions are focusing on landless and homeless people, environment, education and health sectors. Our programmes are mainly are directed at SC, ST and coastal population which are yet to come on par with the development achieved by other sections,” said CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.
He said all constituents of LDF should avoid controversies and concentrate on the positive decisions being taken by the government. CPI state executive and council meetings have asked party workers to participate in the anniversary celebrations in a big way. “It is the responsibility of all parties to avoid needless controversies which adversely affect the government,” said Kanam Rajendran. Both Kodiyeri and Kanam favour party to party discussions and sustained interactions between the party functionaries at all levels to strength the ties further. Observers say despite the efforts to put up a united public show, CPM-CPI differences will continue to haunt the LDF Government.
The possibility of a consensus on contentious issues look unlikely especially with the chief minister taking a strident position on encroachments in Idukki and police policy. CPI has already registered protest against chief minister's style of functioning and CPM one-upmanship in departments held by the party. Even at the political level, the two parties have serious differences about a forming a broader platform of left, secular and democratic parties. While the CPI is in favour of taking Congress on board, the CPM wants unity of the Left parties. There were reports that the pro Congress CPI central line is being opposed by local leaders at some places.
