News and Views

Thiruvananthapuram: Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson P. J. Kurien precipitated a crisis of sorts in his home turf this week by opposing the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate for Assembly election in Thiruvalla constituency of Kerala. However, he withdrew all his objections on Saturday afternoon after talks with Kerala Congress (Mani) leader K.

Deft handling by Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has helped the Thrissur Pooram to go on and saved some votes for the Congress in the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Opinion was building in favour of ban on pyrotechnics in Kerala. The tantri and Chief priest (Melsanthi) of Sabarimala temple had stated that fireworks were not part of temple festivals. Swami Prakashananda, head of Sivagiri Mutt, Varkala, slammed pyrotechnics in temples noting the practice was wrong. Some temples dropped plans for pyrotechnics while some Christian churches banned it.

Kerala Kerala Government will not support total ban of fireworks, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said after an all-party meeting favoured controlled used of pyrotechnics.

It has been clarified that fireworks on competitive basis and high decibel crackers would not be allowed.  A fund would be formed for the relief of those affected by the Paravoor fireworks tragedy.

The government is taking steps to facilitate Thrissur Pooram.

Forest Minister Thiruvanchoor  Radhakrishnan has asked the Chief Conservator of Forests to withdraw his circular specifying conditions for parading elephants and hold discussions with the devaswom authorities with a few to facilitate the fair.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Cabinet on Wednesday decided to request Union Government to declare Kollam fireworks tragedy as national disaster.

It also set up a three member committee of ministers to make an on the spot assessment of property damage and crop loss around the temple and recommend on providing relief. The committee will also examine health problems caused by the explosion such as hearing loss among the people of the locality. There were demands that they should be provided with hearing aids.