Is Kerala Being Governed by UDF or UJP?, Asks V Sivankutty

Thiruvananthapuram: V Sivankutty has sharply criticised the state government, asking whether Keralam is being governed by the UDF or the BJP. His remarks came in response to statements made by ministers regarding Keralam’s public education sector and housing schemes.

Sivankutty said the comments made by ministers Shaji and Shamsuddeen were regrettable and condemnable, arguing that such remarks would hurt the self-respect of ordinary Malayalis.

Referring to the housing initiatives implemented during the previous government, he said that over the last ten years nearly five lakh families received permanent housing. According to him, the government at the time had taken the position that houses belonged to beneficiaries and therefore did not require photographs of political leaders or branding to be displayed.

He criticised the efforts to insist on displaying the Union government’s logo or Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s image on such houses, saying that such demands raise questions about Keralam’s sense of dignity and autonomy.

On the PM SHRI education scheme, Sivankutty alleged that the present government was moving ahead with a programme that the Left had earlier opposed after identifying what it considered policy concerns. He questioned why the government appeared willing to proceed and suggested there should be greater transparency regarding its position.

Sivankutty also criticised the stance of Muslim League leaders and raised questions about whether they were prepared to challenge government decisions more strongly, including on issues related to education policy and excise policy.

He further argued that groups which previously accused the Left government of bias should now explain their response to the present developments.