Politicians recall contributions as Kerala turns 60

Thiruvanthapuram, Nov 1:  Kerala turned 60 on Tuesday, with politicians highlighting their contribution for the state. The special session was held in the house to commemorate the 60th birthday of the coastal state. Routine business was kept aside as leaders from the treasury and opposition benches spoke about the role played by their parties to help Kerala develop.

Chief Minister Pirayi Vijayan emphasised the role played by the previous Communist governments, including that of E.M.S. mpoothiripad, who headed the world’s first democratically elected Communist government. Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala spoke about the Congress programmes and policies.

CPI leader and Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekheran said it was under the Communist Party of India government of C. Achutha Menon that the state saw a number of educatiol, scientific and research institutions come up.

Indian Union Muslim League leader P.K. Kunhalikutty told the house that to a large extent the giant strides the state has made in IT took place when he headed the department.

Speaker P. Sreeramakrishn said special emphasis should be given for the betterment of the poor and downtrodden.

The speeches were made as part of Kerala’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations in the assembly to which Governor P. Sathasivam was not invited. To mark Kerala Day, the Vijayan government had announced major programmes including ‘Haritha Keralam’, ‘Aardhram’ and ‘Life’. ‘Haritha Keralam’ would incorporate effective methods of waste disposal, popularising organic vegetable farming, besides conservation of water resources. (IANS)