Nava Kerala Sadas

Thiruvananthapuram ∙ Controversies are traveling along with the Chief Minister and 21 ministers in the New Kerala assembly. Although the government and the LDF have been able to ensure public participation, the misguided measures taken by the officials and organizers of various departments to make the program fat are in controversy. Many of these had to be withdrawn by the government. Some decisions were reversed by the court.

∙ A killing rescue ‍

The Chief Minister lauded the DYFI members who beat up the Youth Congress workers who showed black flags at him in Kannur’s Pashiangadi. The justification was that the DYFIs did exemplary work in saving the lives of the youth Congressmen who jumped in front of the bus. It was also expressed that it should continue. However, the ‘rescue operation’ backfired when the Pazhyangadi police registered a case of attempted murder against 14 DYFI members for attacking the Youth Congress workers.

∙ Need, disciplined children

The Tirurangadi DEO suggested that 200 students from Tanur and 100 students each from Thirurangadi, Vengara and Vallikunn constituencies should participate in the Navakerala assembly and that only disciplined children should be sent. It was withdrawn due to controversy.

∙ Money from panchayats

The Local Government Department has issued an order giving permission to the local bodies to contribute towards the management of the Nava Kerala Sadas. All LDF-ruled local bodies paid. Those under UDF and BJP rule abstained. Finally, yesterday the High Court banned the payment.

∙ School bus to run

The Director of Public Education’s circular to release school buses to transport people in the New Kerala assembly was met with huge protests. Later it was corrected that it can be released in a way that is not inconvenient for the students.

∙ Children preferably

The state and central child rights commissions filed a case for saluting the children of 3 schools in Kannur when the chief minister and ministers were passing by in the bus. The High Court also said that this should not be the case. Finally, the position was changed that the children should not be delivered.

∙ The staff should arrive on Sunday as well

The Collector ordered that all government employees of Kasaragod district should participate in the program in their respective constituencies on Sunday, the second day of the New Kerala Assembly. After the protest, it was corrected that it does not apply to those working in essential services.

∙ Stab to Shailaja, correct

At the Navakerala meeting in Mattannur, the Chief Minister publicly criticized CPM central committee member and MLA KK Shailaja’s speech for taking too long. The next day, the Chief Minister changed his stance saying that the media had distorted his speech.

∙ Audience at the zoo

The venue was changed when the High Court intervened in the allocation of Thrissur Puthur Zoo premises for the New Kerala audience.

∙ If you show a black flag, you will be beaten

Initially, strict police action was taken against those who waved black flags at the bus of the Navakerala Congress. DCP strangled the neck of a Kozhikode Youth Congress worker. After that, it was decided not to stop the black flag people.

∙ No gas near audience

Aluva Police has advised not to use cooking gas cylinders in the hotels near the venue of the Navakerala Sadas. Instead, it should be made in other places and delivered to the shop. This proposal has not yet been withdrawn.