VS to be guardian of public interest

Thiruvananthapuram: Veteran CPI (M) Leader V. S. Achuthanandan said on Saturday that he would continue to be guardian of public interest, upholding leftist views and public causes.

At a media conference here, the CPI (M) leader refused to be drawn into questions on his claim for Chief Ministership or his health, saying this was not an occasion to respond to such questions. Indicating that he would not be accepting any other positions, Mr. Achuthanandan said he was there to say adieu as Opposition Leader.

Thanking the people for victory of the LDF in the elections, Mr. Achuthanandan said that the people expect the new government to carry out its promises. They want a transparent and fair enquiry into the allegations against previous government including bar-bribery, encroachment of government land, reclamation of paddy fields and big scams. It is the duty of the government to bring the accused to book. The culprits behind the murder of law student at Perumbavoor would soon be behind bars.

The people also hope that the new government would reverse attempts of the previous government to dilute right to information.  They also expect completion of mega projects such as Kochi Metro and Smart City project.

He recalled that the five-year rule of the UDF had become infamous for atrocities against women, bar-bribery, encroachment and issue of titles for government lands and the solar scam. The Chief Minister who should be prosecuting the accused declared that there was no evidence. The Cabinet took decisions violating laws.

The traditional industries were neglected and public sector units went into the red. Forests were encroached upon. There was no progress on the Information Technology front.  Corruption took place in the name of airport and other development projects.