Opposed in Opposition, Embraced in Power: UDF to Continue Loka Kerala Sabha

Thiruvananthapuram: The UDF government has decided to continue the Loka Kerala Sabha, which it had opposed and boycotted while in the Opposition. Administrative approval has been granted for activities in the new financial year, along with an allocation of Rs 2 crore towards administrative expenses. The move comes amid concerns that discontinuing a programme effectively implemented by the LDF government could prove politically disadvantageous.

While in the Opposition, the UDF had alleged that the Loka Kerala Sabha was an extravagant exercise and had boycotted the event. The Opposition had been angered by the recognition received by the previous government for the initiative, which had been described as a major success.

The Loka Kerala Sabha was conceived as a major initiative for the welfare of Malayalis living abroad, providing various welfare programmes and creating investment opportunities. It also helped strengthen a sense of unity among expatriate Malayalis and bring their problems and demands to the attention of the authorities concerned.

Various organisations had urged the government not to withdraw from a platform that recognises and engages with expatriate Malayalis. The demand to continue the Lok Kerala Sabha was also strongly raised at a meeting convened by Chief Minister V D Satheesan in this regard.

At the same time, suggestions have been put forward to make changes to the structure of the Loka Kerala Sabha. The impact of these proposed changes remains to be seen.