UDF to intensity stir as 'Chief Minister opposes reduction in fees'

Thiruvananthapuram: Discussions between government and managements of self-financing medical colleges on Tuesday did not take any decision to address the on-going agitation by UDF over hike in fees.

Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan as well as Health Minister K. K. Shylaja held talks with the managements. Ms. Shylaja met the representatives of the management thrice. However, discussions mainly centred on next year’s admissions and other issues raised by the managements.

The Chief Minister reportedly did not favour any proposal to reduce fees decided as per agreement signed between the government and managements.

Following the collapse of talks, the UDF decided to intensify its agitation. Opposition Leader Ramesh Chennithala said that the talks had failed because of the Chief Minister, though the managements were willing to reduce fees.  The Chief Minister was being haughty.

UDF legislators Hibi Eden and Shafi Parambil, who were on hunger strike in the foyer of the Assembly, have been shifted to hospital. Their place has been taken by V. T. Balram and Roji M. John.

UDF and Kerala Congress (M) boycotted the sitting of the Assembly on Tuesday. The UDF leaders said that they could not participate in the proceedings when two of its members were on hunger strike.

KPCC President V. M. Sudheeran said that the Chief Minister was adopting an autocratic approach in the issue.

He urged all to support the youth march on Wednesday and march to Secretariat and collectorates on October 6, being organised by the UDF.