LDF, UDF spar over free rice distribution in Kerala

As the ruling and opposition fronts continued to spar over distribution of subsidised rice in the course of the competition season forward of the April 6 Assembly polls, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday alleged that the Congress-UDF had “misled” the Election Commission over the matter.
The opposition was taking part in “dirty politics” by making an attempt to dam provide of ration rice and meals kits to the folks, Vijayan stated a day after the EC ordered to cease the distribution following the opposition’s criticism.
The LDF, which can trip again to energy, is dedicated to rework Kerala right into a hunger-free state the place shelter could be made a proper of each citizen, Vijayan advised reporters right here.
Attacking senior Congress chief Ramesh Chennithala for approaching the Election Commission in opposition to distribution of subsidised rice and meals kits alleging violation of code of conduct, Vijayan stated distribution of rice and necessities was nothing new and was being continued to assist the folks affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chennithala had approached the Election Commission alleging that the LDF authorities was taking part in politics with distribution of free rice days earlier than the election.
The opposition was of the view that Vishu meals kits and pensions ought to solely be given after the elections, because the mannequin code of conduct was in power. The BJP additionally accused the federal government of vested curiosity behind the transfer.
Asserting that the meals kits distributed by the federal government had helped the folks survive with out ravenous all through the pandemic days, he stated the following LDF authorities will make sure that none within the state will starve.
“We will start ‘janakeeya’ hotels across the state to ensure food for all and special food outlets would be opened in plantation areas. The Civil Supplies and ConsumerFed would encourage opening of private outlets for distribution of provisions and vegetables at affordable prices,” he stated.
“No person would be evicted from his house if no alternate arrangement is in place. The state will enact shelter as the right of the citizen,” Vijayan added.
Meanwhile, AICC General Secretary Okay C Venugopal advised reporters the UDF has by no means stated that the free provision kits shouldn’t be distributed in view of the elections. But a deliberate try was made to delay the distribution, he alleged.
Chennithala stated it was not the opposition which was taking part in politics over the problem, however the Left Front which had stopped distribution of rice for 6-7 months.

The Youth Congress held protests in numerous districts whereas the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) activists protested by making ready rice gruel on roadsides throughout sales space committees.