Achuthanandan says he is not against development

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 2 (UNI) CPI(M) Politburo Member V S Achuthanandan today said he was not against any development project but was only opposed to the manner in which the Congress-led government was 'plundering the state.' The people lost faith in the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) as the state was reeling under widespread corruption in all areas, he alleged while participating in the meet-the-press programme organised by the Kesari Journalists' Memorial Trust here.

Stating that CPI(M) was not against any kind of development, he said the fight was against the UDF Government's policies.

In the name of the Global Investors Meet, the government wanted to privatise all rivers in the state. ''We opposed the move.

Similarly, the proposed Smart City project at Kochi is a fake,'' he claimed.

Replying to questions, Mr Achuthanandan said the party had never projected anybody as Chief Minister in any election. It would take a decision on the issue after the poll outcome was known.

On whether a faction in the party had opposed his candidature, he said ''it is a closed chapter and there is no need to reopen it.'' Regarding PDP Chairman Abdul Nazer Madhani issue, Mr Achuthanandan said he should be given proper treatment at jail on humanitarian consideration.

Though the UDF had promised him to extend all possible help for his release from the jail, nothing been done, he added.

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