Cong raises doubts over demolition drive; demands transparency

Thiruvananthapuram, June 1 (UNI) Raising doubts over the demolition drive throughout Kerala by the Left Democratic Front Government, the Congress today demanded transparency in the drive and strong action against encroachers and the officials who had helped the land mafia.

''The Congress has extended all support to the Government in the demolition drive. But the recent actions of the Task Force, engaged in the demolition work, has only raised doubts,'' Pradesh Congress President Ramesh Chennithala told reporters here.

Alleging that the Task Force was behaving in a partisan manner, he said certain constructions were being demolished for some reason and some others with similar flaws were not being touched upon. ''If two constructions have similar reasons for being demolished, why is it that some are spared,'' he asked.

Noting that no action had been taken against corrupt officials who had helped the land mafia, Mr Chennithala said the Government should not delay in taking action against these officials. There were also allegations that Revenue Minister K P Rajendran was protecting these officials, he added.

Moreover, several cases were pending in courts regarding the demolition drive and the Advocate General had not appeared in a single case, which only showed that the Government lacked interest in it, he alleged. At the same time, advocates having Leftist leanings were appearing for the encroachers, he added.

UNI