KL This Week: KPCC President Rakes up Controversies, Swiggy Workers Continue Strike
The recent comments on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru by the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president K Sudhakaran have created ripples in the party and the United Democratic Front (UDF).
The Left Democratic Front (LDF) constituents and Higher Education Protection Forum held a massive march towards the Raj Bhavan against the alleged unfair practices of the governor.
Controversy over the contractual and regular appointments in various government-run institutions has continued with the UDF and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the LDF of nepotism.
The Sabarimala temple was opened for the customary annual pilgrimage, which will extend till the second week of January.
NewsClick brings a round-up of the happenings across Kerala this week.
KPCC CHIEF RAKES UP CONTROVERSY
The KPCC Chief K Sudhakaran, known for his controversial stands on different issues, claimed that he sent men to protect RSS shakhas. LDF and parties from the UDF were critical of his claims.
Later, on November 14, while addressing a meeting, he said that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was willing to induct Shyama Prasad Mukherjee into his Cabinet as a compromise with the communal forces. The CPI(M) demanded an explanation from the Congress party, while UDF ally Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) also followed suit.
Sudhakaran later backtracked and said it was a slip of the tongue, which was accepted by the Congress's high command. But, the leader has shown proximity with the BJP and RSS and had shown interest in joining BJP.
The BJP state president said that Sudhakaran's heart is with the BJP though he is in Congress.
MASSIVE RALLY AGAINST GOVERNOR
The LDF and the Higher Education Protection Forum held a massive rally and public meeting against the actions of the governor in front of Raj Bhavan. Similar meetings were held in district headquarters by the organisations.
They accused the governor of attempting to sabotage the higher education system in the state to implement the RSS’s programme. Read More
ROW OVER APPOINTMENTS
The opposition parties continue to criticise the ruling LDF over appointments in the government and semi-government organisations. The UDF and BJP are continuing with their protest against the Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation, though a letter which surfaced in her name to CPI(M) district secretary was proved to be fake.
Dr Riji John, the vice-chancellor of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, has appealed against the Kerala High Court verdict striking down his appointment. Similarly, the selection of Priya Varghese, wife of the personal secretary of K K Ragesh to the post of associate professor in Kannur University is also being suspended.
These disqualifications are now being used by the opposition to corner the LDF government.
SWIGGY WORKERS' STRIKE CONTINUES
The logout strike of the Swiggy workers in Kochi which began on November 14 continues as the management has refused to accept the demands on wage revision.
SABARIMALA SEASON BEGINS
The annual pilgrimage season of the hill shrine Sabarimala has begun with massive crowds thronging the hill station. The minister of Devaswom visited the hill temple to inspect the arrangements as 40 lakh devotees are expected to visit the shrine in the season.
Twelve devotees from Andhra Pradesh were injured when the bus carrying them met with an accident in Pathanamthitta.
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