Kerala Opposition leader on fast

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 3 (UNI) Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy today began a 24-hour-fast infront of the state Secretariat, protesting against the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government's failure to curb the spread of viral fever in the state.

Addressing workers, Mr Chandy, who commenced the fast at 1100 hrs, said the government had not taken serious note of the situation despite the outbreak of fever claiming more than 700 lives and rendering thousands sick.

KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala, UDF convenor P P Thankachan, IUML General Secretary P K Kunhalikutty and leaders of constituent parties addressed the gathering.

Mr Chennithala alleged that the Achutanandan government had failed on all fronts. ''The Left Front has no time for looking into the problems of the people. They are only engaged in resolving their intra party fights,'' he said.

Alleging that the state government had not utilised the Central funds, he said the funds should be used to the maximum.

Apart from seeking help from the central agencies, the government could also seek help from international agencies like WHO to tackle the viral fever outbreak, he said.

UNI