LDF Govt has failed to maintain law and order : Chandy

Kozhikode, Feb 9 (UNI) Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy today said the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front had totally failed to maintain law and order in the state since it assumed office two years ago.

Talking to newspersons here, the senior Congress leader said the attack on him allegedly by CPI(M) cadres at a function in Kasargod yesterday, ''reflected the fascist face'' of the communists.

They were resorting to such practices aimed at intimidating their political opponents, he pointed out.

Stating that the state Home Ministry, which directly controls the police force, had virtually failed to rein the 'Goonda' elements as these kind of attacks were on the rise, he said even the government had failed to take action against those who attacked policemen on duty.

Mr Chandy said the Congress-led opposition United Democratic Front would launch a statewide agitation in protest against such incidents.

Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said ten people were arrested for their alleged involvement in yesterday's attack.

He told newspersons here that Kannur DIG, Hemachandran had been directed to conduct a probe into the attack on the opposition leader.

On the controversy over leasing of government land to a Mumbai-based firm, Mr Chandy sought the resignations of Industries Minister Elamarem Kareem and Revenue Minister K P Rajendran on the issue.

Talking to reporters at Kunnamangalam, he urged Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan to expel both of them from the Cabinet.

UNI PCH ROY LS DS1535