Kerala government has lost its direction: CPI-M

Alappuzha: CPI-M general secretary Prakash Karat Friday described the Congress-led UDF government in Kerala as the most corrupt and one that has lost its direction.

"For the past five decades, our party in the state has been the dominant political force and we should continue to strengthen our party," Karat said, inaugurating the 21st Kerala Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) party conference here.

Describing the Congress-led UDF government in the state as the most corrupt one, he said: "We should come out with an alternate development model for the progress of the state."

The four-day party conference began with party state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan and his arch-rival V.S. Achutanandan sharing the dais. Achuthanandan raised the party flag at the conference venue with Vijayan standing close to him.

Vijayan Thursday slammed Achutanandan and said the latter continues to breach the party discipline. Achutanandan hit back at him, saying he will listen to the party politburo and not to anything from anyone.

Senior party leader G. Sudhakaran praised Achuthanandan, 91, although he has earlier said that there were just a few drunkards who support the veteran.

The conference is being held to elect a new party secretary of the Kerala unit.

Vijayan, who is stepping down as secretary after being in control since 1998, thanked the 200 invited guests, including film stars, in the conference.