CPI(M) seeks probe into attack on Kerala CM

The CPI(M) has demanded an inquiry into the attack on Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in Kannur on Sunday, in the light of Intelligence reports warning about the possibility of such an incident.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan alleged that the attack was designed to create public sympathy for the embattled Chief Minister who had become increasingly isolated following a series of scams.

“Mr.Chandy and his office stand accused of trying to protect the accused in several scams. No other Chief Minister has been so isolated from the public in the history of the State.”

Mr. Vijayan said the LDF stir against Mr.Chandy had remained peaceful since its launch in June. “Despite cruel assault on students, youth, and women by the police, our agitation has been peaceful.”

He sought to know what pre-emptive action the government had taken in the light of the Intelligence report that a ruling front activist might infiltrate the Opposition ranks and carry out an attack on the Chief Minister to restore his badly dented image.

“It is clear that it is the Chief Minister and not the Opposition who stands to benefit from such an attack.” He said the attack had happened far away from the four places where LDF workers had gathered to wave black flags against Mr. Chandy in Kannur.

“Immediately after the incident, Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan told reporters that LDF workers were taken into custody. That was a signal for the police to round up CPI(M) volunteers.”

Observing that even a minor assault on the Chief Minister was a cause for concern, he said the police should be able to identify the assailant easily, since Mr.Chandy was under heavy security cover during the attack.

Mr.Vijayan demanded a serious investigation to identify the people who had planned and executed the attack on the Chief Minister. He, however, warned against any attempt to launch a witch hunt against the CPI(M).

Replying to questions, he said the LDF would continue the agitation against Mr. Chandy. Mr. Vijayan said he and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan had not called on Mr.Chandy as they had been advised against visiting Medical College Hospital on Monday morning.

Asked whether Sunday’s incident at Kannur had provided political mileage for the Chief Minster, he said it would boomerang on Mr.Chandy.

(source : the Hindu)