Nava Kerala Sadas Ends in Thiruvananthapuram Amidst Opposition Protests

The Nava Kerala Sadas, a 36-day outreach program by the Kerala government, concluded in Thiruvananthapuram despite protests from opposition parties. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed a large crowd, showcasing achievements and criticizing the opposition.

The 36-day-long Nava Kerala Sadas, an ambitious outreach program of the Left government in Kerala, concluded on Saturday, December 23, amidst intense statewide protests organized by the opposition Congress, BJP, and their youth wings.

Chief Minister's Statewide Tour

The Sadas, which commenced on December 18 in the northernmost constituency of Manjeswsram in Kasaragod district, culminated in Vattiyoorkkavu in the state capital. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan addressed a massive crowd, marking the culmination of the outreach program. Along with his cabinet colleagues, the Chief Minister traveled across all 140 assembly constituencies in a specially-designed bus, engaging with the public, addressing their concerns, and showcasing the state's achievements.

Opposition Boycott and Criticism

The opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) boycotted the event, alleging that it was an extravagant election campaign ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Consequently, UDF legislators did not participate in the Sadas in their respective districts.

Chief Minister Vijayan criticized the UDF and the BJP-led Union government during his address, accusing them of hindering the state's development. He alleged that while the Centre was attempting to obstruct Kerala's progress, the state Congress leadership had chosen not to oppose them.

Vijayan further accused prominent leaders of the state Congress of making personal interventions and statements in favor of the Sangh Parivar, the ideological parent organization of the BJP. He expressed concern that the Congress had been reluctant to criticize the BJP-led Union government despite the state facing challenging times.

Outreach Program Marred by Violence

The Chief Minister also criticized the UDF's decision to boycott the outreach event and accused the opposition of orchestrating widespread violence to disrupt the program. He stated that the opposition deliberately attempted to provoke society, but the public exercised restraint.

Vijayan targeted the Congress leadership, alleging that they made provocative speeches to incite violence, but their intentions had failed. He asserted that the Congress was willing to resort to any means for the sake of a few votes.

Success of Nava Kerala Sadas

In a statement, Chief Minister Vijayan expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the state cabinet's journey from Manjeswsram to Parassala, the southernmost constituency, in 36 days. He described the Nava Kerala Sadas as a unique chapter in the history of democratic governance.

The Left veteran emphasized that the initiative aimed to garner public support for implementing various development programs to ensure the state's progress. The massive public participation, according to the Chief Minister, served as proof of the initiative's grand success.

Protests and Clashes

The southern state witnessed unprecedented protest incidents following the commencement of the Nava Kerala Sadas. The opposition's boycott led to black flag protests by its youth wings throughout the Chief Minister's journey.

Assaults by activists of the CPIM's Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Chief Minister's security personnel against protesting Kerala Students Union and Youth Congress workers sparked controversy. The Chief Minister's support for the DYFI activists and his security personnel further intensified the agitation.

Cases registered against media personnel for covering protest incidents also triggered a row. The BJP's youth wing, Yuva Morcha, organized black flag protests in various locations during the outreach program.

On the final day of the event, the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, witnessed clashes between Congress, BJP, and Yuva Morcha workers with the police. The use of tear gas shells by police near the venue where senior MPs and MLAs of the Congress were participating in a protest march to the DGP office created a tense situation.

Several elected members experienced breathlessness and discomfort, and some were taken to hospitals by party workers. The BJP's protest march near the Nava Kerala Sadas venue in Poojappura and the Yuva Morcha's Secretariat march were blocked by the police.

A protest staged by a group of activists from the RYF, the youth wing of the opposition party RSP, inside the Secretariat complex on the final day of the event shocked the security personnel.

The Nava Kerala Sadas concluded amidst intense protests and controversies, highlighting the deep political divide in the state. The outreach program aimed to connect with the public and showcase the government's achievements, but it faced significant opposition from the Congress and BJP, leading to widespread protests and clashes.