LDF adopting twin policy on encroachment: UDF

Kozhikode, May 25 (UNI) Accusing the CPI(M)-led ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala of adopting double standard on encroachment, the Opposition United Democratic Front today said no action had been taken to evict ''their leaders, who illegally occupied government land'' at Munnar in the state.

Talking to newspersons after a high-powered committee meeting of the UDF, Convener P P Thankachan said ''no action has been taken by the government to evict nearly 20 top LDF leaders, who encroached acres of government land despite publication of their list.

It was true that the task force formed by the government was able to evict some land grabers but the LDF was intentionally protecting their leaders and cadres by declaring ''eviction holiday'' in the locality.

Also no action had been taken against corporate major Tata, who had ''illegally'' occupied about 50,000 acres of land at Munnar, he alleged.

''If they are sincere, action should be taken against one and all, regardless of their political affiliation, Mr Thankachan said.

On governance, he said the administration has taken a back seat as a result of the on-going factional fued between two top functionaries of the ruling coalition.

''The government machinery was in a standstill'' due to the simmering feud between Chief Minister V S Achuthandan and his party secretary Pinarayi Vijayan.

The health deaprtment was the worst effected as incidents of Chikunguniya and Dengue had resurfaced in several localities in the state. Cleanliness was not taking place in hospitals properly in the absence of adequate contingency staff resulting in spiralling of such cases, he added.

On Smart City, he sought a judicial probe into the allegation of corruption in the multi-million rupees proposed project at Kochi signed with a Dubai-based company recently.

The government had granted undue concessions to the TECOM group of companies causing huge loss to the state exchequer and a probe by a High Court Judge was necessary to unravel the truth, he said.

UNI