LDF plans agitation against UDF government

Thiruvananthapuram: Accusing the Congress-led UDF government of trying to delay the civic polls, the LDF Thursday decided to launch an agitation for holding the polls as scheduled in October this year based on ward limitations of 2010.

Led by CPI-M the LDF activists would hold a dharna in front of Local bodies on August 20 as part of its agitation.

A decision to this effect was taken at a LDF leaders meeting here, Front Convener Vaikom Viswam told reporters.

Government should quash the "unscientific de-limitation of Corporation, Municipalities and Panchayats" and should be ready to hold polls as per 2010 wards formation, he said.

He termed as "undemocratic", the government plan to file appeal against single bench High Court order quashing government order of forming new panchayats and municipalities.

"Government plan is a challenge to democracy," he added.

Viswam alleged that Congress-led UDF government with an eye on political gains, "un-scientifically" carved out new municipalities and panchayats by dividing existing corporations and panchayats.

Government was trying to handover civic administration in the hands of registrar by delaying the polls, he said adding "this is condemnable."

He said the latest ward limitations were carried out on communal basis and it would have serious consequences. "This is contrary to the secular principles and would destroy religious tolerance."

Viswam claimed that though a section in Congress opposed the idea of challenging the singe bench order quashing ward limitations, government moved ahead with its plan to appease Indian Union Muslim League (IUML), the second largest partner in the ruling coalition.