By Sanu George
Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 25 (IANS) Veteran Left leader and Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan’s popularity seems to have nosedived following repeated internal party squabbles, differences with coalition allies and the recent controversy about ISRO’s land deal.
Reports indicate that the meeting will be a fight to the finish between his faction and the group headed by his archrival and state party secretary Pinarayi Vijayan.
In the 16 months since he took over, Achuthanandan has had little to boast of in his progress report barring the inking of the Rs.15 billion Smart City project in Kochi.
The demolition of illegal resorts and buildings at Munnar and other parts of the state had impressed one and all when it began in May. But trouble erupted when the Communist Party of India (CPI) offices were touched in the hill town. The eviction came to a halt following a massive uproar.
Achuthanandan was also attacked both inside and outside the assembly on what has come to be known as the Kiliroor rape case. As leader of the opposition in 2004, he had promised that if elected to power he would bring to book the VIP allegedly responsible for the death of the rape victim Shari S.Nair in a private hospital.
But when the parents of the girl disclosed in writing last month that the VIP in question was none other than his government’s Health Minister P.K. Sreemathi, the chief minister failed to take a prompt stand.
The latest controversy to dog his heels is space agency ISRO purchasing forest land to set up an institute from high profile businessman Savy Mano Mathew at Ponmudi, 75 km from here.
The opposition maintains that the land belongs to the forest department and was sold in connivance with Forest Minister Binoy Viswom, who belongs to the CPI.
“Achuthanandan has proved beyond doubt that he has failed to preach what he practised as leader of the opposition. In the Kiliroor case and in issues related to corruption, Achuthanandan has gone back on all that he had said as leader of the opposition,” said Oommen Chandy, now leader of the opposition. “We are not going to rest until we expose Achuthanandan. He will have to pay a heavy price for his ineffectiveness,” said Chandy, a former chief minister.
Achuthanandan, however, says he is being targeted because of his tough stance against the previous UDF government’s corruption.
“We are going ahead with inquiries at various levels and soon we will let the people know what these UDF leaders are up to,” added Achuthanandan.