CM should take initiative to bring out truth behind Joseph episode

Pathanamthitta, Aug 24 (UNI) Kerala Congress (Mani) General Secratary Joseph M Puthusseri, MLA, today said Chief Minister V S Achuthananthan should take personal initiative in bringing out the truth behind the allegation that Public Work Minister P J Joseph had misbehaved with a woman on board the flight from Chennai to Kochi on August three.

The Chief Minister ought to take the responsibility in deciding the veracity of the serious allegation levelled against his Cabinet colleague, he told reporters.

Mr Joseph said the Kerala Congress (M) had nothing against Mr P J Joseph, but the party was concerned about his action, he added.

He alleged that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government was implementing anti-people policies. It was also trying to destroy the constitutionally guaranteed rights of religious minorities.

The self-financing professional college sector had been plunged into anarchy, he alleged.

The agriculture sector had been totally neglected, he charged adding even the right of the farmers to cut down the sandal and rose-wood trees grown on their own plots was denied.

Custodial deaths and suicides committed by farmers had become common during the LDF rule, he alleged.

The KC(M) leader accused the United Democratic Front (UDF) of sidelining the Kerala Congress (M) with regard to the election to the Rajya Sabha seat. The UDF repeatedly back-tracked from its promise to give a chance to the ''Mani group'' to get elected to the Rajya Sabha and this hurt the party deeply, he said. Hence, the decision not not to take part in the UDF liaison committee meeting.

He said the leadership camp of the party would be held on August 26 and 27 at Adoor Marthoma Youth Centre.

UNI XR VV MIR RAI2208