A day after polls, CPM hits back at NSS

Thiruvananthapuram: The day after Kerala’s assembly elections, CPM launched an all-out attack against

NSS

general secretary G Sukumaran Nair on Wednesday. LDF convener A Vijayaraghavan was the first person who criticized Nair for his remark on polling day.

Vijayaraghavan alleged that Nair spoke like a political leader and CPM will expose his political interests behind those remarks. He said even the community represented by Nair will not endorse his statement.

“The intention was very clear. The people of the state came to know about his political inclinations. Sukumaran Nair tried to give a political statement on polling day,” he said, referring to Nair’s remark that the people of the state longed for a change in the government.

His political statement was aimed at defeating LDF. But, community vote banks are not decided by community leaders. It will become evident when the results are announced. The people will give a fitting reply to the NSS chief. His statement won’t have an impact, added Vijayaraghavan.

Law minister A K Balan, who gave a complaint against Nair to the election commission, said, “It was the bomb the opposition leader was talking about all these days.’’ The statement by NSS chief was a conspiracy between him and UDF and the people of the state will reject Nair’s statement, said Balan.

Fisheries minister J Mercykutty came down heavily on Nair. “The statement by Sukumaran Nair on polling day was made with an intent to influence voters. NSS always criticized the LDF government and hence people are well aware of his intentions,” she said.

Devaswom minister Kadakampally Surendran said Sukumaran Nair’s words will benefit LDF as people were aware of the stand taken by the government in issues related to faith.

Cong blames CPM: But, former chief minister Oommen Chandy claimed that CPM attacked NSS as it sensed an impending defeat this election. “All social and community leaders have the freedom to air their views and opinions. These leaders have taken such stands openly several times. No one should try to silence them. Now, CPM is coming out against NSS as they fear that the party may face defeat in election,” alleged Chandy.

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala also slammed CPM for attacking NSS.