'CPI MLA playing petty politics'

Thiruvanthapuram, July 6: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Monday said strict action would be taken against those trying to prevent government officials from discharging official duties. His comments came days after CPI woman legislator E.S. Bijimol allegedly tried to manhandle an additiol district magistrate in Idukki district. He said the Communist Party of India legislator was indulging in “petty politics”. “The entire episode was created by CPI legislator E.S. Bijimol to play petty politics. You (CPI) please ask your own party union staff members in the revenue department about this official (Idukki Additiol District Magistrate Moncy P. Alexander),” Chandy said in the Kerala assembly. “Strict action would be taken against those who try to prevent officials from discharging their duties,” the chief minister said. A case was lodged against Bijimol on Friday for allegedly trying to manhandle Alexander and obstructing him from performing his duty.

Bijimol allegedly tried to manhandle Alexander in Peruvantham in Idukki on Friday when locals were protesting re-installation of a gate on the court’s order at the entry point of a estate which blocked the road, inconveniencing the people. In the assembly on Monday, Bijimol raised the issue of Alexander trying to play into the hands of the estate owner and sought leave for an adjournment motion into this issue. Replying to the issue, Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash said this was an issue for long, Bijimol’s party leaders K.E. Ismail and K.P. Rajendran, respectively, were revenue ministers and it was during the latter’s period that the estate owner started to collect a toll from the people who used the right of way in the estate.  (IANS)